The Wildescast: Recent Episodes
Manhattan Jewish Experience
Jewish education and inspiration courtesy of Rabbi Mark N. Wildes, Founder of the Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE). Founded in 1998, MJE is a warm and open community where millennial men and women in their 20s/30s can explore Jewish life and meet new people.
Think all Orthodox Jews are the same? Think again! Modern Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox, Yeshivish, and Chabad all have their own unique styles and commitments. Learn to disentangle them all, and decide what kind of Orthodox Jew you'd like to be. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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The history, culture, and triumph of the Jewish Homeland. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
What's the different between Torah and Tanach? Why does the Talmud have the Mishnah inside? And what can I read to catch up on the basics of Judaism? Join Rabbi Wildes as we demystify the sometimes-overwhelming world of Jewish sforim. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Being Jewish is a lot of commitment! So why would someone choose to become Jewish? And what would they have to do? Join Rabbi Wildes to learn all about Conversion! Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
What do we know about God? How much is it possible to know about God? How can we connect to God? How has our relationship to God changed? And what do you do if you still don't believe? Join Rabbi Wildes to discover all the answers, and to raise many more questions. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
The United Nations has a history of opposing the interests of the state of Israel, and that's putting it mildly. Meet the man responsible for defending Israel before this famously hostile audience. Learn about Jonathan Harounoff's work in the UN, and his project of informing the world about the women standing for their rights in Iran, at the risk of their lives. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Join Rabbi Wildes for a complete tour of the Passover seder, complete with Matzo, a full seder plate, and many stories and insights from three thousand years of Jewish wisdom. For the full experience, see the video edition of this episode: https://youtu.be/VHsTM29orrY Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
HELP! I've been invited to an Orthodox synagogue! I grew up Reform or Conservative so I don't know what to expect. Join Rabbi Wildes and learn that the Orthodox world isn't as intimidating as you might expect. Already a regular at Orthodox synagogue? Learn to anticipated the questions your friends might ask! Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Rabbi Wildes joins Ambassador Ofir Akunis at the Israeli Consulate in New York City to learn about Iran, Israel, and the future of Judaism. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
This week Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme ruler of Iran, was killed by US and Israeli missile strikes. While Khamenei was lifelong enemy of the Jewish people, does that make it right to celebrate his death? What can the story of Purim teach us about this latter-day Haman? And with so many troubles in the world today, how can we justify celebrating a joyous holiday like Purim anyway? Rabbi Wildes takes on these questions and more. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
It's my money! I worked for it! So why should I give away MY money? Rabbi Wildes teaches us about the laws and traditions of Tzedakah, and why giving away some of your money may lead to more money coming back to you. You can start now! Give Matanot LeEvyonim today: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ00j3F38ScfLV73SbZe01 Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
What happens if you break Jewish Law? Do you go to Jewish Jail? Can a good Rabbi get you a lighter sentence? Or are there worse things than punishment in the physical world? And what can this teach us about choosing to pursue the righteous path? Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Every Jew has to ask the question: Which flavor will I choose? Will it be the favor my parents chose, or am I drawn to something different? Are all flavors equal? What if some flavors on the menu aren't even Jewish? This week Rabbi Wildes shows all the flavors to arm you with the knowledge you need to choose. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Most folks in the secular world are familiar with the many frustrations of dating and relationships. Maybe the solutions have been right in front us for thousands of years! Learn about kosher dating, the benefits of placing limits in relationships, and why the airport might be the right destination for your next date. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Jews believe the Torah was handed down from Mount Sinai. But how can we know if we weren't there? And why should we believe any of the events recorded in Torah really happened? Rabbi Wildes addresses the challenging questions that lead intelligent Jews to question their beliefs. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Rabbi Wildes faces a volley of hard-hitting no-nonsense questions about all the activities that seem wrong to do—but are they forbidden? If you need to know whether your vices and guilty pleasures are allowed under Jewish Law, you need to hear this episode of—Is It Forbidden? Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Rabbi Wildes sits down with Iranian born William Mehrvarz. William escaped an imminent death sentence for the crime of Apostasy to move to New York and become Jewish. He joins us to discuss the recent protests and massacres in Iran, the implications for the future of Israel, and risking everything to live as a Jew. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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In this moving episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Israeli art therapist and visionary artist Rakefet Hadar (founder of Soul Pages) to explore the healing power of creativity in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.Following the violent attacks on October 7th that devastated communities across Israel — including women living on a kibbutz — Rakefet shares how intuitive art journaling and Kabbalistic wisdom can serve as profound tools for emotional and spiritual healing. Together, she and Rabbi Wildes discuss the intersection of Jewish mysticism, art therapy, and resilience, uncovering how artistic expression can help survivors reclaim their voice, process trauma, and reconnect to the divine.💡 Topics in this episode: • The transformative power of art for trauma recovery • How Kabbalah inspires Rakefet’s healing methods • Women’s emotional journeys after 10/7 • The role of spirituality in post-trauma growth🖌️ Learn more about Rakefet’s work at https://soul-pages.com/—Subscribe for more episodes on faith, spirituality, and resilience from the MJE Podcast.#ArtTherapy #Kabbalah #IsraeliArt #JewishHealing #RakefetHadar #RabbiMarkWildes #SoulPages #TraumaRecovery #MJEpodcastWebsite: jewishexperience.orgFacebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Rabbi Wildes sits down with Shabbos Kestenbaum to talk about Jewish identity, leadership, and the growing hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people — from elite universities to global politics. They discuss Shabbos’ lawsuit against Harvard, media narratives on Iran, and the importance of Jewish education rooted in values, not just victimhood. A timely and honest conversation about unity, resistance, and hope for the Jewish future. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Judaism doesn’t dismiss beauty—but it doesn’t worship it either. This episode begins with our human hunger for beauty, journeys through the tension between Greek and Jewish ideals, and arrives at a distinctly Jewish idea of beauty: one that’s rooted in holiness, shaped by restraint, and never far from the divine. We explore beauty’s power, its purpose, and its place on the path toward the divine. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Last night at MJE’s Yom HaShoah event, we had the honor of hearing from Dr. Aliza Erber, a Holocaust survivor, medical doctor, and chaplain.As a hidden child during the war, Dr. Erber lost both of her parents in concentration camps. Her story was raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Over 100 people gathered to hear her speak and every single one left impacted.What made the evening even more meaningful was her honesty. She didn’t sugarcoat the trauma, and in doing so, gave everyone present a deeper appreciation of the strength, courage, and resilience of our people.May her words continue to echo, and may we never forget. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes is joined by Dr. Noam Weissman, the voice behind the acclaimed podcast Unpacking Israeli History. Together, they dive deep into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, explore the historical roots of Gaza, and ask the difficult questions:Is the two-state solution still viable?How should Israel be taught to the next generation—both Jewish and non-Jewish?What role does bias, history, and education play in shaping our understanding of Zionism?What are the biggest misconceptions about Hamas and Palestinian leadership?Dr. Weissman shares personal insights from decades of Israel education and breaks down complex issues with clarity and honesty, offering a nuanced look at one of the most polarizing topics of our time.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes.🎧 Listen to Dr. Weissman’s podcast: Unpacking Israeli History🔔 Follow for more deep dives into Jewish thought, modern Israel, and meaningful conversation.#Israel #Gaza #Zionism #JewishEducation #MiddleEastConflict #UnpackingIsraeliHistory Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
In this powerful episode of The Wilds Cast, we sit down with Natan Sharansky, a Soviet dissident, human rights activist, and former Israeli politician. Sharansky shares his harrowing experiences as a political prisoner in the Soviet Gulag, where he endured nine years of imprisonment, and his fight for Jewish freedom during the Cold War.We dive into:✅ His extraordinary journey from Soviet oppression to Israeli leadership✅ The refusenik movement and the struggle of Jews in the USSR✅ How he survived years of solitary confinement with resilience and faith✅ His political career in Israel, standing against disengagement from Gaza✅ Modern antisemitism, the challenges faced by Jewish students, and his message to young Jews today✅ His thoughts on Trump’s peace plan, Israel’s future, and the fight against HamasSharansky’s story of courage, conviction, and unwavering identity is a must-listen for anyone passionate about freedom, Jewish history, and human rights.🔔 Subscribe & Share this episode with your friends! Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
What does it take to turn unimaginable tragedy into a source of strength and inspiration? 💔➡️💪In this powerful episode of The Wilds Cast, I sit down with Rabbanit Racheli Frankel, a true beacon of resilience and wisdom. After losing her son Naftali in 2014, she has dedicated her life to uniting the Jewish people and strengthening our faith. 🇮🇱✨We dive deep into:🔹 How her personal loss connects to the pain of October 7th🔹 The emotional complexity of hostage negotiations🔹 Rising antisemitism and the global Jewish response🔹 The rapid growth of women’s Torah scholarship 📖👩🏫🔹 Finding hope and joy even in the darkest timesRabbanit Frankel’s perspective is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, a reminder that even through sorrow, we can choose gratitude, strength, and faith. 🌿✡️🎧 Tune in now and let us know what resonated with you the most in the comments! 👇💬#JewishStrength #Resilience #Faith #Podcast #Israel #Torah #JewishWomen #JewishLearning #Hope #JewishCommunity Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
In this episode, rapper and activist Kosha Dillz takes us on a journey through his music, identity, and resilience. From performing on college campuses and tackling misconceptions about Israel to crafting lyrics that resonate and spark dialogue, Kosha shares the highs and challenges of his unique path. He opens up about overcoming addiction, the influence of Jewish values like tzedakah, and the strength that carried him through tough times. We also dive into his creative process, his experiences performing for IDF soldiers, and the reactions to his Chanukah songs and recent tracks inspired by pivotal events. Tune in for a powerful conversation that bridges hip-hop, faith, and activism.
0:00 Introduction
0:58 Welcome Kosha Dillz
2:09 Performing on College Campuses
4:36 Does doing this feel dangerous?
6:30 Rap That Resonates
8:20 Misconceptions About Israel
13:35 The social scene of anti-Israel protests
15:59 Songs since 10/7
22:02 Chanukah Song and Reactions on Campus
23:28 What kind of schools book you?
26:29 How do you work on your rap?
29:13 Time on Wild 'n Out
31:49 How has your jewish identity influenced your music?
33:51 Tzedakah
37:27 Overcoming addiction
39:50 What kept you strong during tough times?
43:47 Performing for IDF Soldiers
48:14 Chanukah Concert and Songs
49:38 Outro
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Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, a longtime friend of MJE and a true testament to perseverance and vision. Born blind, Justice Bernstein has defied expectations, becoming a trailblazer in law, an advocate for peace, and a marathon runner who challenges limits in every aspect of life.
In this episode, we delve into his remarkable journey, including his role in advancing the Abraham Accords and promoting peace in the Middle East. Justice Bernstein shares profound insights on the beauty of his disability, his unwavering faith in God, and how it has shaped his perspective on justice, resilience, and advocacy.
0:00 Introduction
2:43 Serving as a Judge in MI
4:00 Resilience
10:15 Resilience
15:15 Identifying Purpose Through Judaism
16:02 Wrongful Convictions
20:34 Flint Water Case
23:26 Talmudic Perspective on Wrongful Convictions
24:18 Has DNA Been Helpful in Court?
28:47 Overcoming Adversity with One's Mission
35:26 Disability Advocacy in the Middle East
50:04 Importance if the Abraham Accords
52:18 Rabbi Nebenzahl
59:07 Everybody is Touched by Disability
1:00:32 Perception of Disabilities in the Arab World
1:04:25 Collaboration with a Sheikh
1:07:21 Peace with Saudi Arabia
1:08:41 Opening MI Back Up During Covid
1:11:15 Long Term Consequences of Covid Lockdown
1:13:56 Bringing People Together
1:16:23 Conclusion
Website: jewishexperience.org
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0:00 Introduction
1:32 Academic Pursuits & Religious Values
14:48 Misunderstandings of Observance
21:20 Judaism in Politics
31:04 The Limits of Orthodox Theology
44:54 Challenges Facing Jewish Identity
53:44 How to Handle Israel Condemnation
1:03:28 Student Interest in Judaism
1:09:57 Wrapping Up
Website: jewishexperience.org
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0:00 Introduction
1:50 Notions of Peace
6:31 This Semester at Columbia
11:39 Continuing to Teach at Columbia
14:36 Sending Kids to Antisemitic Institutions
22:21 Choosing to Fight Back
28:29 Fight for Jewish Civil Rights
34:17 Israeli vs. Diaspora Jews
43:10 Preserving Jewish Identity
55:59 Why is Judaism worth defending?
59:21 Political Labels
1:00 Wrapping Up
Website: jewishexperience.org
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0:00 Introduction
2:04 Welcome
7:17 Camp HASC
17:14 American Jews Giving to Israel
21:39 Negativity in the Media
26:13 Thinking Differently Than Others
30:33 Teshuvah
39:49 How Do We Find Joy?
43:33 Preparing for the High Holidays
51:29 Jewish Self-Identity
1:00:00 Wrapping Up
0:00 Introduction
3:07 Is War With Hezbollah Inevitable?
11:25 American Involvement in the War
13:02 Update on the Hostages
16:17 Post War Gaza
29:40 Presidential Elections
44:04 What Can Americans Do?
51:32 Wrapping Up
0:00 - Welcome
8:58 - Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream
15:45 - Oslo Accords & 2 State Solution
26:35 - Trump Administration
32:31 - Abraham Accords
45:39 - University Protests & Encampments
58:01 - How to Stay Informed
00:00 Introduction
1:28 Welcome
2:24 War With Iran
6:23 Elimination Hamas
7:56 United States Pushback
11:45 Voting in the US
17:26 Relations in the Middle East
22:55 Reminding our Enemies
26:02 Justifying October 7
28:15 Fear in American Jews
30:49 Giving Hope
34:57 Youth in America
37:07 Gaza Casualties Misconception
38:20 Challenges Faced by the IDF
38:51 Learning History
40:59 Wrapping Up
Website: jewishexperience.org
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0:00 Introduction
2:18 Exodus Story
5:46 Impact of Progressivism
10:42 Lack of Jewish History Education in the US
16:30 Political Divide For Jews in America
22:47 Tikkun Olam
24:58 Inspiration & Motivation
27:43 Saving the Diaspora
31:22 Judaism & Medicine
34:06 Exposure & Media Platform
37:24 Physical Violence & Self Defense
43:26 First Generation Perspective
46:40 Desire For Acceptance of Jews
48:43 Treating a Terrorist
50:00 Wrapping Up
In this insightful conversation, Rabbi Wildes and Hillel Fuld dissect key points shaping Israel's trajectory, shedding light on the geopolitical landscape and societal dynamics. They navigate through the intersections of technology, innovation, and advocacy, offering profound insights into how these forces have influenced Israel's narrative and global standing since October 7th.
0:00 - Intro
1:36 - Welcome
2:22 - October 7
5:57 - Advocating for Israel
6:22 - Truths vs. Lies on Social Media
9:48 - Genocide Allegations
11:33 - Hezbollah Attacks
13:13 - Who's Going to Replace Hamas?
18:33 - Global Antisemitism
25:36 - Living in Israel
36:58 - Opposing Mentalities
40:47 - Tech in Israel Since October 7
49:25 - Support for Israel
51:08 - Miracles for Israel
54:10 - Wrapping Up
Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
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Held at MJE on February 14th, Rabbi Mark Wildes taught a class on the Dos & Don't of Dating. This discussion dives into Jewish teachings that offer valuable insights for everyone, regardless of background. Discover practical tips for navigating relationships and finding love in today's world.
My remarks from the funeral of my beloved father. To see the whole ceremony click here: https://www.legacycelebrated.com/leon-wildes/May we only know Simchas
On January 3rd, Rabbi Mark Wildes taught an insightful class titled "The Blame Game: Taking Responsibility For Our Lives," listeners are encouraged to shift their perspective on life's challenges. Rabbi Wildes delves into the concept of not externalizing failures and struggles but instead taking ownership and responsibility for one's life.
In this compelling episode of the Wildescast, Rabbi Mark Wildes engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Yahya Mahamid, an extraordinary guest who defies expectations as an Arab Muslim IDF soldier. Raised in an anti-zionist Arab community in Israel, Yahya shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery and the transformative experiences that led him to embrace a passionate commitment to Zionism and the State of Israel. Through candid dialogue, they explore the complexities of identity, coexistence, and what things have been like since the war against Hamas began. Join Rabbi Mark Wildes and Yahya Mahamid as they delve into a narrative that challenges preconceptions and fosters understanding
In this gripping and emotionally charged episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with a truly extraordinary guest, Maya Parizer. Join us as Maya bravely shares her harrowing experience at the Nova Music Festival in Israel on October 7th. On that fateful day, as the festival was underway, Hamas unleashed an unthinkable act of violence, resulting in the tragic loss of over 360 innocent lives. The festival was part of a wider Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 that claimed approximately 1,400 livesMaya, along with her fiancé Ron, found themselves amidst the chaos and horror, narrowly escaping the massacre. In this interview, she recounts the heart-wrenching moments, reflecting on the resilience that allowed her to survive and share her story today.00:00:00 - Intro00:02:37 - Maya's Story00:12:03 - Escaping the Nova Festival00:17:48 - October 7th 202300:25:23 - The Kibbutz00:31:15 - The Response From The Public00:37:19 - Why Do People Deny The Truth?00:40:19 - The Atrocities00:42:08 - Israel Getting Scapegoated00:43:53 - How Do We Achieve Peace?00:46:41 - Living Your Best Life After Surviving a Tragedy00:49:22 - Wrapping Up
Israel's Journey of Hope & Resilience | Rabbi Efrem Goldberg | Ruth Wildes Lecture | Chanukah 2023
Welcome back to the Wildescast, Rabbi Wildes and his student, Daniel Wallach, passionately discuss the resilience and strength of being a Jew in America post the October 7th attack on Israel. This powerful episode, the third in their "Rabbi and the Student" series, sheds light on the challenges faced by the Jewish community while emphasizing their unwavering commitment to Israel. The podcast explores the complexities of Jewish identity, offering a deep discussion on the evolving narrative in the aftermath of global events. Join them for an emotionally charged exploration of the spiritual battle we are all going through in this moment. Tune in for an impactful, multifaceted journey within the modern American landscape.00:00:00 - Intro00:03:42 - 10/700:13:41 - How Should We Be Feeling?00:19:28 - How We Act During This Tie of Mourning00:27:28 - Feelings of Rage00:31:45 - Combatting Antisemitism00:39:49 - What is it Like to be a Rabbi Right Now?00:42:33 - Having Compassion For All00:48:48 - What is Next for The Jewish People00:59:10 - Wrapping UpWebsite: jewishexperience.orgFacebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Rabbi Wildes leads a dynamic live panel at MJE, delving into the effective strategies for addressing antisemitism on college campuses. Joining the discussion are distinguished panelists, including Professor Shai Davidai from Columbia Business School, Adela Cojab, a passionate Jewish activist and graduate of NYU/Cardozo, Talia Lerner representing the Israel On Campus Coalition, and Gideon Askowitz, a dedicated student at Hunter College.
Welcome to the Wildescast. This episode is from the finale of Rabbi Mark Wildes's 3 part class series on Israel. In this class Rabbi Wildes discusses all of the differing views on Zionism and answers all the questions you have on this incredibly complex topic! This is not an episode that you will want to want to miss! Take a listen!
Welcome to the Wildescast! On this episode we delve into Rena Quint's journey through the horrors of the Holocaust is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She will recount her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the indomitable human spirit that carried her through those tumultuous times. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of hope and determination.But this episode is not just about the past; it's also about the present. Rena Quint has not only survived but thrived, and she now resides in Israel. She'll provide unique insights into what it's like to be a Holocaust survivor living in Israel. We will be talking about Rena's perspective on life in Israel today, in the face of the cWar against Hamas, this episode is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Take a listen!
On October 25th as part of the ISRAEL: The History. The Philosophy. The Conflict. Series Rabbi Wildes shares four key talking points essential for advocating for Israel and countering misinformation. In this talk Rabbi Wildes presents the historical and political information important for all of us to know and to engage in informed discussions. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or a newcomer to the topic, this class equips you with valuable knowledge to articulate Israel's unique story with confidence.
As we await the next steps in Israel's war against Hamas, Rabbi Wildes is joined by activist, filmmaker, and IDF reservist Rudy Rochman from an undisclosed location to discuss whether this war is going to end differently than past wars with the final destruction of Hamas, whether the Palestinian civilians are truly innocent, how Diaspora Jews can fight back against Hamas supporters on college campuses, and what we as Jews can do to finally alleviate the world of antisemitism.00:00:00 - Intro00:03:30 - Is This Time Different?00:06:10 - Are the Palestinian People Innocent?00:09:40 - Life as an IDF Reservist00:11:53 - Empowering Jews in the Diaspora00:19:29 - Hiding Your Jewish Identity to Stay Safe00:23:24 - The Root Cause of Antisemitism
On Wednesday October 11th, Rabbi Wildes hosted a class at MJe entitled "Israel... The Real Story | From 1948 To Today." This event was not just an educational experience, but a powerful tribute to our brothers and sisters in Israel, who are currently enduring the perils of war and conflict.Rabbi Wildes' passionate lecture delved into the resilient history of Israel, from its triumphant rebirth in 1948 to its unyielding spirit in the face of contemporary challenges. The class emphasized the importance of standing with our Israeli brethren during these turbulent times.Throughout the session, Rabbi Wildes painted a vivid picture of Israel's journey, offering a resounding call to action for unwavering solidarity during this time.
Today Rabbi Wildes speaks about the story of Guy Madar. Each day during this time where our brothers and sisters in Israel are defending the Jewish people. Rabbi Wildes will be giving daily talks and words of Torah in his Whatsapp group. Feel free to join!Am Yisrael Chai!Join Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LM0bsDb4sV3FmESMyauFaw
Join Rabbi Wildes "Standing WIth Israel" Whatsapp group for daily words of Torah during this devastating time for our brothers and sisters in Israel.Join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EuQY2688WQS6P4412gQI1J
MJE Stands With Israel: You can help make a difference by donating to Magen David Adom at https://afmda.org/donate/ Or United Hatzalah at https://israelrescue.org/campaign/israel-under-attack/ Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our redemption. Shield it with Your lovingkindness, envelop it in Your peace, and bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land, grant them deliverance, and adorn them in a mantle of victory. Ordain peace in the land and grant its inhabitants eternal happiness.Lead them, swiftly and upright, to Your city Zion and to Jerusalem, the abode of Your Name, as is written in the Torah of Your servant Moses: “Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there the Lord your God will gather you, from there He will fetch you. And the Lord your God will bring you to the land that your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers.” Draw our hearts together to revere and venerate Your name and to observe all the precepts of Your Torah, and send us quickly the Messiah son of David, agent of Your vindication, to redeem those who await Your deliverance.Manifest yourself in the splendor of Your boldness before the eyes of all inhabitants of Your world, and may everyone endowed with a soul affirm that the Lord, God of Israel, is king and his dominion is absolute. Amen
Being there for our brothers and sisters in Israel. Please tune in to hear what you can do. 🇮🇱
Rabbi Wildes 2023 Sukkot Workshop: Everything you need to know to have a meaningful and great Sukkot! Chag Sameach!
In this thought-provoking podcast episode with Rabbi Wildes, we dive deep into the complexities of Israel's ongoing conflicts, featuring the esteemed Dr. Daniel Gordis as our guest. Dr. Gordis provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted issues plaguing Israel, from the judicial reform protests shaking the nation to the intricacies of the two-state solution. We explore the delicate balance between security and peace in the region and examine the impact of these political struggles on everyday life for Israelis. Moreover, Dr. Gordis sheds light on the evolving landscape of Judaism in the modern world and its effects on the Jewish people, offering valuable insights into the diverse ways in which Jewish identity is shaped and expressed today. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that navigates the challenging terrain of Israel's past, present, and future.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Welcome00:03:14 - The Miracle of Israel00:09:51 - Protests in Israel00:19:33 - Two State Solution00:21:31 - Division Between Us00:33:19 - BLM & Zionism00:34:17 - The Conservative Movement Today00:38:48 - Why are People Not Going To Shul?00:45:05 - Changes In Today's Judaism00:50:31 - The Power Of The Holy Land 00:54:54 - Wrapping UpSubscribe to the Wildescast: https://link.chtbl.com/WildesWebsite: jewishexperience.orgFacebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Take a listen to our 2023 Yom Kippur Workshop. We delve in to all of the things YOU can do this Yom Kippur to make it your best yet! This is the last class in our 2023 High Holiday's Crash Course Series, so you do not want to miss it!
Take a listen to Rabbi Mark Wildes Class on Understanding The Prayers of The High Holidays. People come to synagogue and say prayers but don’t know who wrote them or what them mean, we tackle them in this class!Understanding the key prayers of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services is so important, and it is important to realize that we can gain an understanding that will give us a deeper understanding of the high holidays! Enjoy!
Join Rabbi Mark Wildes, deeply rooted in Torah values, and Erin Davis, the renowned "Wingwoman" of the modern dating scene, and a live studio audience in a thought-provoking conversation on the interaction of modern dating/marriage realities and how they intersect (or don't) with Torah values. They delve into diverse topics, exploring the efficacy of dating apps (2:20) first date tips (5:40) and navigating political differences. (11:45) The discussion progresses to touch on intimacy before marriage (16:30), the idea of changing your partner (20:00), and avoiding wasting time in a hopeless relationship (25:45). Discover the traits to look for in a partner (35:40) and the question of whether the virtues of classic femininity have been lost in the progression of women's rights (43:40). Learn communication tips (51:25) and finish with a live Q and A (53:40) where Rabbi Wildes and Erin candidly answer questions on topics ranging from the option of freezing eggs to dating multiple people. Tune in for a compelling dialogue that bridges traditional values and contemporary dating challenges.
Subscribe to the Wildescast - https://link.chtbl.com/wildes Follow Rabbi Wildes on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rabbiwildes Follow Erin Davis on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erin_wingwoman/?hl=en
Visit Jewishexperience.org for info on upcoming live events like this one.
Aleeza Ben-Shalom of Netflix's "Jewish Matchmaking" joins Rabbi Wildes to discuss the positives and negatives of her experience making the show including Rabbi Wildes' issues with the production and casting choices, whether men and women can really be "just friends", the tricky balance of being too picky vs. settling for someone, the Jewish view of soulmates, how to broach the topic of avoiding physical touch before marriage, and more.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:37 - Matchmking Style 00:12:47 - "Just Friends" 00:18:25 - Being Too Picky 00:24:04 - Rabbi WIldes' Criticism of Jewish Matchmaking 00:34:26 -Common Dating Obstacles 00:41:04 - Soulmates 00:44:56 - Roommates Before Marriage 00:51:27 - Physical Touch
Subscribe to the Wildescast: https://link.chtbl.com/Wildes
Full Audio of Rabbi WIldes' stirring Tisha B'Av Address in front of a packed audience of young Jewish professionals. Easy and meaningful fast to all participating and may we merit to see the rebuilding of the Temple speedily in our days.
Rabbi Wildes' full class delivered to his students on the contemporary meaning behind the tragic day of Tisha B'Av. Wishing a meaningful fast to all those participating.
Rabbi Wildes is joined by Emmy award winning TV writer David Sacks to discuss his path from Hollywood (The Simpsons, Third Rock From The Sun) to spiritual leader in the Los Angeles community. In the first half of the podcast David discusses the challenges he faced as an Orthodox Jew in the secular world of Hollywood which leads into the second half where David and Rabbi Wildes discuss the deepest teachings in Judaism which touch on the nature of the soul, why the world we live in seems so broken, the difference between Judaism and Buddhism's definition of transcendence and so much more.
Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introducing David Sacks 00:02:35 - Becoming A TV Writer 00:03:20 - David's Spiritual Journey 00:05:23 - Writing for The Simpsons 00:13:35 - Challenges as an Orthodox Jew 00:19:39 - The Immortality of the Soul 00:22:10 - The True Definition of Success 00:33:43 - Judaism vs. Buddhism 00:36:35 - Believing in Something Deeper 00:41:55 - The Illusion of Time 00:47:18 - God Plays Hide & Seek 00:52:05 - Why the World is Messed Up 00:59:37 - Fix Yourself, Fix the World
Rabbi Wildes is joined by Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner, Senior Rabbi and Executive Director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, where he is responsible for the chaplaincy team and all aspects of spiritual care throughout the health system.
Being an expert in Jewish medical ethics, pastoral care, and health and wellness, Rabbi Weiner shares his thoughts on the future of medicine including the morality of the revolutionary technology of CRISPR Gene Editing which allows doctors to edit genetic DNA to cure all kinds of diseases such as sickle cell anemia but also comes with potential risks if the technology finds its way into the wrong hands.
Rabbi Weiner also discusses the Torah's view on panaceas, (a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases), his experience donating a kidney, the government's role in regulating medicine, and the spiritual rewards that come with the arduous task of being exposed to death and suffering on a daily basis.
Buy Rabbi Weiner's new book "Care and Covenant: A Jewish Bioethic of Responsibility" here: https://tinyurl.com/weinerbook
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introducing Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner 00:02:35 - Path to Becoming A Bioethicist 00:04:23 - Being Around Death & Suffering 00:07:35 - Balancing Being A Rabbi and a Bioethicist 00:10:00 - Torah Insights on Bioethics 00:15:30 - Experience Donating His Kidney 00:22:15 - Revolutionary CRISPR Gene Editing 00:30:10 - Torah View of Panaceas 00:33:30 - Biggest Risk to Humanity 00:36:12 - Government Regulation of Medicine 00:39:40 - Wisdom vs. Technology
Rabbi Wildes is joined by Dan Grunfeld - former professional basketball player and author of the fantastic book, "By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream" to discuss his family legacy of Jewish basketball players including his father Ernie who played 9 seasons in the NBA and is the only player ever to be a son of Holocaust survivors. Dan also shares how he feels the NBA reacted to the Kyrie Irving antisemitism controversy, the current state of antisemitic attacks on Israel on college campuses, and more.
Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:55 - Grunfeld Family History 00:20:40 - Antisemitism on College Campus 00:27:20 - Kyrie Irving and the NBA 00:37:58 - Making Change
Buy Dan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Game-Holocaust-Basketball-Unprecedented/dp/1629379220
Subscribe to the Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/Wildes
Daniel Wallach seeks guidance from Rabbi Wildes as he grapples with the challenges of his spiritual journey. Having recently returned from the spiritual heights of Israel, Daniel opens up about his struggle to maintain inspiration in a world dominated by materialism and monotony. In their conversation, Daniel seeks Rabbi Wildes' counsel on various pressing matters, such as staying motivated in times when God's presence feels less apparent, discovering the Torah teachings that resonate with his soul, finding a Jewish community that aligns with his values, and much more. Together, they delve into these profound questions, seeking clarity and guidance on the path ahead. An essential listen for fellow seekers on their spiritual journey.NOTE: Rabbi Wildes' audio is distorted for the first minute of the episode but clears up immediately afterward. This conversation was recorded on 2/27/2023Timestamps: 1:20 - Staying Inspired Through the Monotony of Life23:00 - Discovering the Torah that Speaks to You31:00 Being A Jew in the Real World; Leaving the Bubble39:00 - Finding Hashem in the Difficult Times47:44 - A Poem From Rav Kook
In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Wildes is joined by Charlie Harary to delve into the power of Torah wisdom to help us unlock our best selves. Charlie shares his personal journey of discovering the Torah and how it has helped him initiate personal growth, find meaning, and discover his identity and purpose.We explore the spiritual and physical aspects of our selves and how they interact in our daily lives. Charlie shares insights on achieving lasting happiness by aligning our actions with our spiritual values and prioritizing our inner growth over external validation.We also discuss the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on spirituality. Can AI genuinely threaten our spiritual growth and connection to a higher power? Or can it enhance our spiritual experience and connection?Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of how Torah wisdom can help unlock your best self and navigate the challenges of the modern world.Charles Harary is an American investor, strategic adviser, and professor who has gained fame as a motivational speaker, radio show host, and television personality.Follow Charlie:Become an Insider: http://Charlieharary.com/insidersListen to Charlie's Podcast Unlocking Greatness: https://jewishpodcasts.fm/charliehararyJoin Charlie's Whatsapp Chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BUnbPiDNkg3CrmHQlnn6eJFollow Charlie on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/charlieharary?fbclid=PAAaas4eDdjiVUL3dMUtFZUBzOm58QvzjuCdm_DQBrbsT4s2o0UIoTLNTn2-kTimestamps:00:00 - Intro02:30 - Charlie's Journey14:00 - Happiness26:40 - Identity & Self-Image39:20 - Finding Joy Through Spirituality 46:30 - Spirituality vs. Physicality50:50 - Artificial Intelligence
Rabbi Wildes recently rejoined the Orthodox Conundrum Podcast with Scott Kahn to discuss the complicated relationship Diaspora Jewry has with the State of Israel. In Scott's own words:With the terrible and heartbreaking news that came out of Israel over the course of Pesach – a mother and two children murdered by terrorists, a car ramming in Tel Aviv with an Italian tourist dead and others injured, plus rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon and Gaza – some have noted a disconnect between the attitudes of Jews who live in Israel, and those who live in the diaspora. The two groups sometimes seem to possess different mindsets – that is, very different ways of thinking about events like these. In particular, the heaviness that was widely experienced by Israeli Jews may have sometimes been lacking among some Jews outside of Israel.Is this assumption accurate or misplaced? Furthermore, is Israel viewed, emotionally if not intellectually, as just another Jewish community like any other? Is the proximity and ease of getting to Israel and communicating with people in Israel a double-edged sword, taking away some of the mystery and sense of holiness that people otherwise would have? Moreover, what is the place of diaspora Jewry? Is their only role to pack up and move to Israel, or is there a need for Jewish communities to thrive outside of Israel? How can we better inculcate a sense of solidarity with Jews in Israel, and with what’s happening in Israel? Is the emotional gap between Israelis and those outside of Israel destined to get larger or smaller?To discuss these and other questions, Scott (who lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh) spoke with Rabbi Mark Wildes (who lives in New York). Their conversation will give you food for thought, especially as they draw upon their own life experiences to discuss the relationship between diaspora Jews and Jews living in Israel.Please listen to and share this podcast, and let us know what you think on the Orthodox Conundrum Discussion Group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/432020081498108).Thanks to all of our Patreon subscribers, who have access to bonus JCH podcasts, merch, and more – we appreciate your help, and hope you really enjoy the extras! Visit the JCH Patreon site at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.Visit https://www.jchpodcasts.com/ to learn all about creating your own podcast.Music: “Happy Rock” by bensound.com
How can we make sure our kids stay Jewish and uphold the values we have worked so hard to instill in them?Hint: it's not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk. Rabbi Wildes delves into the text of the Torah, revealing the power of leading by example and how displaying your love for the Torah and its Mitzvot can make all the difference. Get ready to take action and inspire the next generation to stay true to their roots.
"Veahavta lereacha kamocha" - Loving your neighbor as yourself is considered the fundamental golden rule of Torah. But is it really possible to do such a thing? Rabbi Wildes provides a practical solution to fulfill this mitzvah based on the wisdom of our greatest Sages.
Rabbi Wildes celebrates Yom Haatzmaut (Israel's 75th birthday) by sitting down with the fascinating Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel who is a teacher, a farmer, and a pioneering entrepreneur. He is also a retired decorated IDF soldier, an author, a musician, and one of Israel's premiere Jewish media personalities.He is the founder of the Land of Israel Network, with millions of views and downloads from over 120 countries, broadcasting Torah and sharing the beauty of Israel with the world. Rabbi Gimpel, along with his wife Tehila and their six children, founded the Arugot Farm and Educational Center at the edge of a Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria. It has become a global destination for people looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Judean Mountains and encounter a living example of Ahavat Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael.They discuss how the building of his farm in Judea and Samaria and interacting with his Arab neighbors inform his view on how Israel and the Palestinians can achieve peace, the current instability in Israel regarding judicial reform, how he'd stop the cycle of brainwashing that the Palestinian leadership perpetuates on their youth, the Biden administration's policy towards Israel, Israel's role to play in bringing the final redemption, and more.Timestamps:2:00 - Building A Farm in Judea & Samaria10:30 - Achieving World Peace15:49 - Can A Two-State Solution Work?24:17 - Deprogramming Palestinian Hatred33:30 - Judicial Reform Protests46:20 - Birthright48:48 - Israel = Beginning of Mashiach50:15 - Connecting to Israel in Exile
Rabbi Wildes celebrates Israel's 75th birthday by focusing on Judaism's focus on life in this world as opposed to what happens in the next world and displays how the modern State of Israel has incorporated the Torah's message of living in the here and now.Join MJE for Yom Haatzmaut as we commemorate fallen IDF soldiers for Yom Hazikaron with an inspirational program and musical prayers. Then celebrate Israel's independence (Yom Haatzmaut) with MJE's Shuk Party! Falafel and hummus bar, Israeli snacks and candies, photobooth, Israeli wine bar, Israel beer and more!!Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mje-yom-haatzmaut-israel-independence-program-celebrate-75-years-tickets-592619349427
Rabbi Wildes interviews Holocaust survivor Manny Korman at MJE in front of a packed audience to commemorate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). The event concluded with some inspiring words from Israel's Minister of Aliyah and Integration and member of the Knesset Ofir Sofer and a stirring rendition of The Hatikvah.Manny Korman was born on December 21, 1931 in Hamburg Germany. Shortly before his 7th birthday, he and his family were taken from their home by the Nazis, and expelled into Poland where he and his older brother Gerd were eventually separated from their parents. After an incredible series of events (which you will hear in this episode) Manny and his brother found his way to England right as WW2 broke out in 1939. The brothers eventually found their way to Brooklyn, NY. Manny attended Queens College and started an illustrious career in education including being the principal of Adrien Block Junior High School in Flushing, NY. He currently mentors principals around the city in developing their own careers.Timestamps:Intro (0:00)Manny Korman's Story of Survival (7:30)Knesset Member Ofir Sofer and Hatikvah (1:06:00)Join us next week Tuesday April 25th at 7PM as we commemorate fallen IDF soldiers for Yom Hazikaron with an inspirational program and musical prayers. Then celebrate Israel's 75th year of independence (Yom Haatzmaut) with MJE's Shuk Party! Falafel and hummus bar, Israeli snacks and candies, photobooth, Israeli wine bar, Israel beer and more!!RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mje-yom-haatzmaut-israel-independence-program-celebrate-75-years-tickets-592619349427If you would like to come to Israel with us this Summer for the trip of a lifetime, visit https://www.jewishexperience.org/israel
As we continue through the book of Vayikra which focuses on animal sacrifices to Hashem, Rabbi Wildes reveals the fascinating connection between these sacrifices and the virtuous quality of humility emulated by Moshe.
Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld is world-renowned for his incredible podcasts which intersect contemporary issues of trauma, anxiety, and addiction with the ancient texts of Torah, Kabbalah, and Chassidut. Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rabbi Rosenfeld about how those who enjoy yoga and meditation can find those experiences within the Jewish tradition, reframing the traumas in our lives as opportunities for elevation, the greater picture behind the postmodern moment of relativity and the denial of objective truth, what makes this generation's relationship with God different from previous generations, and more.Timestamps:1:20 - Meditation5:00 - Breath & Mindfulness16:00 Is Positivity a Choice?23:00 Accepting God as King34:00 Trauma48:00 Postmodernism58:00 Finding the Light in the Darkness
It is our responsibility to answer those who don’t have the knowledge or interest to ask about their Judaism, but miraculously are. At our 24th Annual Dinner I was honored to address close to 350 people who take our mission of reconnecting our Jewish brothers and sisters seriously. Thank you to all who came and donated. It was a magical night that will, please God, usher in many more spiritual moments of connection to our spiritual heritage. Shabbat Shalom!Click here if you'd like to donate to MJE and contribute to the reconnection of our unaffiliated brothers and sisters to their heritage: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1391059
"I'm spiritual but not religious." You hear this statement more and more these days but is there any validity to it? Take a journey with Rabbi Wildes through the mountains of India to an Allman Brothers concert in New York City and find out.We are hosting our 24th Annual Dinner on March 21st where we raise the majority of our donations, so please consider attending here (https://www.wizevents.com/mjedinner2023/?id=7683) or donating at www.jewishexperience.org to help us continue our holy work.
Rabbi Mark Wildes joins the Judaism Demystified podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of Jewish outreach. Rabbi Wildes shares his journey in Kiruv and delves into the reasons behind the lack of engagement of many Jews with Judaism. Is there a place for both a rationalist and mystical approach to outreach? Is blind faith a Jewish idea? What are the difficulties faced by the post-Kiruv Baal Teshuvah who eventually loses his/her initial inspiration? Our 24th Annual Dinner is on March 21st where we raise the majority of our donations for the year. Buy tickets here (https://www.wizevents.com/mjedinner2023/?id=7683) or if you cannot make it, please consider donating so we can continue this holy work. (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1391059)You can subscribe to the Judaism Demystified podcast here: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/judaism-demystified-a-guide-for-todays-perplexed/id1572203778)
What is the connection between the holiday of Purim and the series of Parshas that we are currently reading detailing the building of the Tabernacle? The answer reveals the solution to a significant issue currently facing the Jewish community - is Judaism about the practice of mitzvot, or the philosophy behind them?To watch the video version of this sermon and more inspiring video content from Rabbi Wildes, subscribe to the Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/markwildesmje
In the final part of our series on the divinity and authenticity of the Torah, Rabbi Wildes sits down with Rabbi/Dr. Jeremy England. Dr. England has been called the next Charles Darwin by various respected scientists in his field due to his research on the spontaneous emergence of life. Despite this background which on the surface would seem to run counter to a Creationist view of the world as well as not growing up in an observant household or community, Dr. England came to believe in the divinity of the Torah later in life as he started delving deeper into the text. In this fascinating conversation, we discuss what he specifically sees in the Torah to indicate its divinity, his problem with the oft-cited argument of intelligent design for God's creation of the world, the limitations of Science and how they are similar to atheistic arguments against the existence of God, being a character in a Dan Brown novel and more.You can follow Dr. England on Twitter @LifeLikePhysics and buy his incredible book "Every Life is on Fire" wherever books are sold. TimeStamps:Maintaining Belief as a Physicist (2:40)Spontaneous Emergence of Life (9:30)Intelligent Design Argument (13:20)Torah vs. Science (18:40)The Divinity of the Torah (26:30)Belief in the Divine Creator (45:00)Power of Prayer (53:00)Limitations of Science (1:03:00)Dan Brown and God Tapping You on the Shoulder (1:09:00)
WOW! What a conversation. In Part 2 of our series on the authenticity and divinity of the Torah, Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rabhi Avraham Arieh Trugman - a Rennaisance Rabbi who has written over 20 books and has produced 9 albums of original music - about the incomprehensible depth of the text of the Torah. Rabbi Trugman specializes in utilizing the ancient method of Torah study known as Pardes which synthesizes multiple perspectives, from the basic text to the mystical meaning to illuminate a divine design hidden within the seemingly endless wisdom of the Torah. We discuss how viewing the Torah as a code of interconnectivity and not just a storybook or a book of laws, sparks inspiration and reveals a whole new perspective that many today are yearning for. Is Gematria just a trick or is there something deep going on? How does the universal language of music and modern physics align with the Biblical story of Creation? Are the stories of our forefathers and foremothers just stories or are they archetypical in nature and have a lasting impact on the psyche of the Jewish people, affecting events far into the future? This was an absolutely incredible conversation that is a perfect contrast to last week's episode with Rabbi/Dr. Joshua Berman. You do NOT want to miss this!Timestamps:Pardes and the Interconnectivity of Torah (4:15)Gematria (19:15)Inspiring Today's Generation (32:00)Biblical Archetypes (40:00)Free Will vs. Divine Determinism (50:00)Mystical Power of Music (1:02:00)
It is difficult not to get envious of what other people have in a world where everything is shared on social media. Here are 3 steps rooted in our ancient tradition that you can take not to feel that horrible feeling of jealousy when you see others people in your life succeed.Follow Rabbi Mark Wildes:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWildesMJE/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RabbiWildes/Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/5OD2ziqlYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markwildesmjeFollow MJE:Website: https://www.jewishexperience.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/M_J_experience/
In part 1 of a 3 part series on the authenticity of the divine nature of the Torah, Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rabbi/Dr. Joshua Berman, who is infamous for his biblical scholarship. He is a Bible professor at Bar-Ilan University and his articles on biblical theology and contemporary society have appeared in the pages of Mosaic Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. We discuss Dr. Berman's biggest reason for believing in the divine authorship of the Torah, whether the often cited Kuzari argument of "mass revelation" is good evidence for the Torah's divinity, evidence in Egyptian writings for the Exodus, whether the Torah had multiple authors, and more.Topics/Timestamps:Best Argument for Torah's Divinity (3:40) The Kuzari Argument of Mass Revelation (11:00)Documentary Hypothesis of Multiple Authorship (17:30)The Exodus (33:00)Does Historical Accuracy Matter? (46:00)Reforming Jewish Education (54:00)Follow Rabbi Wildes on Instagram at Instagram.com/RabbiWildes and please give a rating and review as it helps get these important conversations out to a wider audience.
Yuval David is an actor, director, professor, and activist who focuses primarily on LGBTQ and Jewish issues. Many Orthodox Jews lament that their brothers and sisters on the Left do not fight back against antisemitism when it comes from that side of the ideological aisle. Nobody could say that about Yuval. In this exhilarating conversation, Yuval discusses how he combats the identity-based arguments of the Left which paint Israel as an oppressor, receiving pushback from the LGBTQ community for his Israel advocacy, the key to uniting the Jewish community and so much more.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:07:30 - Speaking the Language of the Left00:10:45 - Oppressor vs. Oppressed00:21:50 - Jewish Resilience00:26:45 - Changing the Jewish Narrative00:33:10 - Gays for Palestine00:42:00 - Breaking the Right/Left Paradigm00:47:18 - Uniting the Jewish Community00:54:30 - Jewish Education01:01:30 - Saying Goodbye + Outro
"Jews are white." "Israel is an apartheid state." Hearing these inflammatory comments can be distressing but understanding the root ideology behind these assertions is the only way to truly fight back against it. David Bernstein, the Founder of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values and author of Woke Antisemitism: How a Progressive Ideology Harms Jews is a self-described liberal who is fighting back against antisemitism on the political Left by informing everyday people on the convoluted ideology that drives undue hatred towards Israel and race-based attacks on Jews as oppressors. We discussed whether the political Left is no longer upholding classical liberal values, if canceling those who espouse antisemitic views is productive, how Critical Race Theory drives Left-Wing antisemitism, why the seemingly virtuous value of "equity" is really destructive, and more.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:06:30 - Cancel Culture00:08:40 - Woke Antisemitism00:19:50 - Critical Race Theory00:22:32 - Whoopi Goldberg00:25:10 - Canceling Antisemites00:29:32 - Being a True Ally00:36:16 - Equity00:51:14 - Uniting the Jewish CommunityFollow Rabbi Mark Wildes:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWildesMJE/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RabbiWildes/Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/5OD2ziqlFollow MJE:Website: https://www.jewishexperience.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/M_J_experience/
An incredible story from my teacher Rabbi Shlomo Riskin of the time he traveled to the Soviet Union in 1970 and received the answer to a question in the Torah that had been bothering him for decades - from an 18-year-old. Follow Rabbi Mark Wildes:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWildesMJE/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RabbiWildes/Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/5OD2ziqlFollow MJE:Website: https://www.jewishexperience.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/M_J_experience/
How is it possible that a lifelong antisemite converts to Judaism? How is it possible that an ardent secular Jew who passionately asserts that the Torah is not of divine origin returns to observance?
Antisemitism is on the rise across the political spectrum. However, is antisemitism on the Left not getting the same coverage as antisemitism coming from figures like Kanye West? Dumisani Washington returns, this time in person, to discuss who is covering for these antisemites, whether the Biden administration is culpable, and his recent experience traveling to South Africa. Plus, Martin Luther King's hidden history with Israel and a breakdown of the controversial "Synagogue of Satan" verse in the New Testament which antisemites use to discredit the lineage of the Jewish people.00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:15 - Left-Wing Antisemitism00:15:00 - South Africa00:23:45 - Biden Administration00:29:55 - "Uppity Blacks" Accused of Wrongthink00:34:55 - Martin Luther King Jr. & Israel00:47:55 - Black Lives Matter00:51:00 - Synagogue of SatanFollow Rabbi Mark Wildes:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWildesMJE/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RabbiWildes/Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/5OD2ziqlFollow MJE:Website: https://www.jewishexperience.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/M_J_experience/
The story of Joseph in Egypt leaves many questions unanswered. Why does it seem Joseph is acting so cruel to his brothers if he is referred to as "Joseph the Righteous?" Why didn't Joseph reach out to Jacob to tell him he was still alive? The answers to these questions clue us in on whether the things that happen to us in our day-to-day lives are pure randomness or whether there is something deeper going on. Follow MJE:Website: https://www.jewishexperience.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/M_J_experience/Follow Rabbi Mark Wildes:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWildesMJE/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RabbiWildes/Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/5OD2ziql
Rabbi Mark Wildes as you have never heard him before! Rabbi Wildes is questioned by his beloved student Daniel Wallach on whether he is disappointing his teachers by teaching Kabbalah and Chassidut, the thin line he has to walk as an outreach Rabbi to avoid offending potential students, inspiring young people towards spirituality in the hustle and bustle material world that is New York City, and more.Website: https://www.jewishexperience.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWildesMJEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/RabbiWildes/
Womanhood and the role of femininity is a lightning rod issue in our times. Is a woman not complete unless she has a child? What does it really mean to "be a woman?" There is no better place to look than the story of our Matriarchs.Website: https://www.jewishexperience.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWil...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RabbiWildes/
Despite the rich history of cooperation between the Jewish and Black communities, tensions have been high over the past couple of months spurred on by the antisemitic comments of Kanye West and a rally of Black Hebrew Israelites outside of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Rabbi Wildes is joined by Dumisani Washington, founder of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel to discuss the roots of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, whether Black Lives Matter and the Left get a pass when it comes to Antisemitism, and how we can use what seems like a dark moment in the history of our peoples' to come together and create a new coalition of Black/Jewish solidarity.
Timestamps:
2:30 - History of Black/Jewish Unity 8:00 - Black Hebrew Israelites 31:00 - Black Lives Matter & Left Wing Antisemitism 42:00 - The Future of Black/Jewish Solidarity
What's more holy? Doing things when we feel inspired or rather when they have become monotonous and are merely part of a routine? The answer may surprise you.
For more thought-provoking and inspirational Torah content from Rabbi Mark Wildes, subscribe to the Youtube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oWrlgD3gZX9-8ZyNbpd-g
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You'll often hear these days that we don't need God in order to be good people. Is this true? Have we outgrown God? Can objective morality exist without the Divine?
For more thought-provoking and inspirational Torah content from Rabbi Mark Wildes, subscribe to the Youtube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oWrlgD3gZX9-8ZyNbpd-g
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It is said that one of the biggest parts of being an adult is taking responsibility for your mistakes. But how often do we pass the blame on to someone else? The earliest Biblical characters failed to undertake this challenge - until Abraham came along.
For more thought-provoking and inspirational Torah content from Rabbi Mark Wildes, subscribe to the Youtube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oWrlgD3gZX9-8ZyNbpd-g
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Rabbi Wildes shares how a minute difference between ethics and etiquette informs how we can know we are doing what is right and not what is easy and convenient.
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The advice of "listen to your heart" to find your answer to a pressing life issue is a common one in pop culture. But is it one the Torah agrees with?
For more thought-provoking and inspirational Torah content from Rabbi Mark Wildes, subscribe to the Youtube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oWrlgD3gZX9-8ZyNbpd-g
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Rabbi Mark Wildes moderates a fascinating discussion with Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal (The Rationalist) and Rabbi Daniel Bortz (The Mystic) on many of the intense disagreements between the Maimodean school of Jewish thought and the Kabbalistic approach.
This podcast was recorded in front of a live audience at the Manhattan Jewish Experience on Monday, October 24th, 2022.
00:00:00 - Introduction 00:08:40 - Is God Within Us? 00:20:45 - Is Kabbalah Dangerous? 00:25:15 - The Opening Verse of the Torah 00:36:00 - Panentheism 00:39:00 - Should We Teach Kabbalah? 00:44:30 - Rationalism = Spiritual Numbness? 00:51:00 - Are Mitzvot Supernatural? 01:09:20 - Q&A 01:09:35 - The Point of Prayer 01:13:50 - Diversity in Judaism 01:18:00 - Cloud of Glory + 13 Attributes of Mercy 01:20:30 - Mindfulness 01:26:58 - Paradox
Rabbi Mark Wildes was ordained from Yeshiva University, but before becoming a rabbi, he received a JD from the Cardozo School of Law and a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University. Since founding MJE 20 years ago, Rabbi Wildes has become one of America’s most inspirational and dynamic Jewish educators. He lives with his wife Jill and their children Yosef, Ezra, Judah and Avigayil on the Upper West Side where they maintain a warm and welcoming home for all. He is a hard core Beatles and John Lennon fan, and enjoys rocking out on the drums whenever possible.
Rabbi Mark Wildes and his wife Jill co-founded Manhattan Jewish Experience, or MJE, more than 20 years ago. What started as a beginner’s Hebrew class with 18 attendees has blossomed into an organization that today draws in over 20,000 annual attendees to classes, events, Shabbos meals, and more. Rabbi Wildes was a lawyer and pulpit rabbi before ultimately finding his true purpose as an outreach rabbi.
This is his story.
Saturday to Shabbos is a Tachlis Media podcast. Learn more at tachlismedia.com
Mark Wildes was well on his way to joining his father, a renowned immigration attorney, when he found his life's calling: reaching out to unaffiliated young professional Jews in Manhattan, and innovating for decades in the outreach space. Unique as a proudly Modern Orthodox practitioner, Rabbi Wildes offers a different perspective, which we discuss and evaluate in this episode.
We also speak about his new "40-day challenge" - the subject of his latest book - and his other writings, along with his rich family history and dreams for the future of outreach.
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.
The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.
Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.
Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.
Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!
A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.
Rabbi Wildes had the amazing opportunity to be interviewed on Two Chassids in a Pod which is a popular podcast hosted by two fascinating young men who grew up in the West and have moved to the holy city of Tzfat to spread the light of Torah and the Jewish Tradition. We went deep into the intricacies of Zionism, university campuses in the US, Jewish Outreach, the 40 Day Challenge, and more.
You can follow the Two Chassids in a Pod podcast on IG @TwoChassidsinaPod
Gedale Fenster is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Jewish world, selling out venues of over 5000 people and with over tens of thousands of daily listeners to his motivational Torah-based podcasts. Gedale joins Rabbi Wildes for an exhilarating conversation about life's ups and downs and how the downs are merely a stepping stone to advance to heights previously unimaginable in every facet of life. More topics in timestamps below.
Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Gedale Fenster 00:02:10 - Root Cause of Anxiety 00:08:00 - A Practical Belief in God 00:12:00 - Growth Through Pain 00:15:00 - Ideal Path to Teshuva 00:19:00 - Finding Your Soulmate 00:32:00 - Rabbi Nachman 00:40:00 - Torah vs. Logic 00:44:00 - Happiness
Follow Gedale @Gedale Fenster on Youtube, Instagram, Spotify, and Gedale.com
Subscribe to the Wildescast for more immersive and inspirational conversations. https://link.chtbl.com/wildes
This is a rebroadcast of Rabbi Wildes' appearance on "The Orthodox Conundrum" with Rabbi Scott Kahn; an amazing podcast from Jewish Coffee House which takes an honest look at the major issues affecting the Orthodox world, without exaggeration, whitewashing, or pretending that they don’t exist.
This episode is, in some ways, two distinct podcasts in one: one about outreach, and one about some major spiritual challenges that exist in the Modern Orthodox world.
Many in the Centrist or Modern Orthodox world are uncomfortable with kiruv and outreach; it’s often associated with acting with condescension towards people who are not Orthodox, objectifying people who are not Orthodox, and not acting forthrightly towards people who are not Orthodox. Perhaps most concerning, though, is the suspicion that kiruv professionals act as though they have all the answers, that Orthodoxy is a perfect society, and that we need to reach out because everything within Orthodoxy is basically perfect. Many of us would argue that we need to get our own house in order before convincing other people to join the team.
Rabbi Mark Wildes, though, is one of the rare Modern Orthodox Jews who is deeply involved in, and believes in, kiruv and outreach to unaffiliated and less-affiliated Jews. Scott asked him how he responds to these criticisms of kiruv professionals and organizations, how we should define the real goals of kiruv organizations, and why most kiruv professionals seem to have a Chareidi or Chassidic orientation.
Perhaps even more important, however, was an intense discussion of the problems that Modern Orthodoxy needs to address. Their conversation included a discussion of spiritual anemia, problems that exist in synagogues, the longing – or lack thereof – for the Divine Presence, the differences between experience and intellect in the approach to G-d, how much we should emphasize dogma, and – above all – the need to bring G-d back into the center of our consciousness.
This conversation – again, really two conversations – was fascinating, and should give you food for thought as we enter Elul and the days leading up to the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Please listen to and share this podcast, and let us know what you think on the Orthodox Conundrum Discussion Group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/432020081498108).
Thanks to all of our Patreon subscribers, who have access to bonus JCH podcasts, merch, and more – we appreciate your help, and hope you really enjoy the extras! Visit the JCH Patreon site at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Visit https://www.jchpodcasts.com/ to learn all about creating your own podcast.
Rosh Chodesh Elul is upon us and so is The 40 Day Challenge 2.0! Rabbi Mark Wildes is interviewed by the great Nachum Segal on his popular radio program "JM in the AM" to discuss how we can learn from Tom Brady, Abraham Lincoln, and other iconic figures how to use this special time to make a positive and impactful change in the world, become the very best version of ourselves, and how to connect to God at a time when He is closest.
Join the 40 Day Challenge at JewishExperience.org/40Day
Listen to JM in the AM on the Nachum Sega lNetwork and follow @nachumsegalnetwork on Instagram
MMA star Haim Gozali doesn't just fight for Israel inside of the Octagon but is a staunch supporter outside of it. in this explosive conversation, Haim details how he is fighting the stereotype that Jews are weak and won't fight back, the time he was stabbed six times outside of a bar, his obsession with Batman, why he connects with putting on Tefillin, and more.
Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Haim Gozali 00:03:05 - Are Jews Weak? 00:07:00 - Peace in Israel 00:14:30 - Being Stabbed Six Times 00:20:00 - Israeli Batman 00:25:00 - Supporting Israel 00:31:00 - Connection to Judaism 00:36:00 - Fight Prep
Sign up for the 40-Day Challenge at: JewishExperience.Org/40Day
There is a perception that Judaism promotes a lifestyle in which women are subordinate to men. Rabbi Wildes speaks with longtime Torah educator and host of the Drink It In Podcast Jordana Baruchov for an unfiltered conversation about some of the hottest issues surrounding Torah and Women. Does Torah promote equality between the sexes? Why are men the ones who lead services? What does it mean to be attractive in a Torah sense?
You can follow Jordana on Instagram @Drinkitin_Jordana and listen to her podcast Drink It In.
Timestamps:
Equality (3:00) Are Women More Spiritual? (10:00) Why Women Have Less Mitzvot (14:00) Giving vs. Receiving (20:00) Work/Life balance (23:00) Gender Roles (28:00) Relationship Advice (33:00) Attraction (38:00) Covering hair (49:00)
Moshe Reuven was recently named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, highlighting the world's brightest young entrepreneurs, leaders, and stars. In addition to owning his own startup WeDu, Moshe has also made a splash in the hip-hop world with millions of listeners on Spotify including his new song "Say" with Julian Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley. Moshe joins Rabbi Wildes to discuss how after living a life of non-observance, finding Hashem has been the key to his incredible success at such a young age. Moshe also discusses the extraordinary story of how the accidental release of his first single led to his rise in the music scene, how he stays humble in the face of all the temptations success inevitably brings, and more.
Timestamps: Moshe’s Spiritual Journey (4:00) Entrepreneurial Success (21:00) Politics & Division (33:00) Music & Gamzu L’Tovah (38:00) Importance of Preparation (44:00) Staying Humble (54:00)
Sarah Guigue, better known as HassidicHipsterGirl on Instagram is an amazing content creator and Torah educator who uses her influence on social media to educate her large following on Torah and Jewish Identity. Rabbi Wildes and Sarah cover many important topics ranging from the practical to the mystical. How we can use the potential of social media for the good? What is the best way to combat Antisemitism? Why does God seem so hidden in this world of ours? All that and more in this captivating conversation.
Timestamps: 3:30 Relearning Judaism 17:00 Why God Hides 27:00 Rudy Rochman's controversial post on AntiSemitism 38:00 Can Social Media be used for good? 46:30 Favorite Torah Teaching
You can follow Rabbi Wildes and Sarah on Instagram @RabbiWildes and @HassidicHipsterGirl
Rabbi Wildes speaks with Psychologist and fashion influencer Betty Gulko who shared how her childhood in and out of foster homes helped her develop tools to assist young women in overcoming obstacles in life. Great lessons for us all. Betty also discusses how she reconciles being a social media influencer with the fact that social media is a leading cause of anxiety in young people, the best way to support a friend going through a rough time and so much more.
Timestamps:
1:45 Self-love 3:30 Betty's Childhood in Foster Homes 8:00 Resilience 11:00 Trauma 14:30 Social Media & Anxiety 23:00 Helping Friends through Tough Times 31:00 Torah 40:00 Growing through Failure
You can listen to Betty's podcast Chat with Betty wherever you get your podcasts and follow her at bettygulko.com and @bettygulko on Instagram.
Despite living in times of unprecedented access to material goods, it seems as if anxiety and unhappiness have never been higher, particularly among the younger generation. Rabbi YY Jacobson, one of the foremost spiritual thought leaders of our time, joins Rabbi Wildes to reveal the mystical yet scientific reason behind this reality and answers Mark Twain's famous question of how the Jewish people have survived through centuries of persecution. Rabbi Jacobson also details his experience spent as an apprentice of the Lubavitcher Rebbe ZTL and more in this captivating conversation.
Timestamps:
- Mark Twain and Jewish Survival (1:45)
- Anxiety/Depression (19:00)
- Kabbalah and Generational Trauma (25:00)
- Interconnectivity (30:00)
- Infinite Nature of Our Souls (37:00)
- The Lebavitcher Rebbe (47:00)
You can watch more of Rabbi YY Jacobson on his Youtube Channel as well as theyeshiva.net
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There is a deep yearning for spiritual experience and meaning among the young Jewish community. Rabbi Daniel Bortz, better known as The Millennial Rabbi has gained social-media fame through his focus on meditation, Kabbalah, and Torah wisdom for achieving happiness. Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rabbi Bortz about all this and more in this inspirational and informative conversation that will leave you thinking about "God" in a whole new way.
Timestamps: 1:30 - Millennials and Torah 12:30 - Nature of God 15:00 - Rationalism vs. Mysticism 20:00: Happiness 30:00 Power of Prayer 37:00 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Follow Millennial Rabbi on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/millennialrabbi and sign up for his classes at RabbiBortz.com
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The status quo between the Israelis and the Palestinians is clearly untenable. Rabbi Mark Wildes speaks with Rabbi Yehuda HaKohen who has spent his life engaging with his Palestinian neighbors in the West Bank, about whether peace is possible.
This is an explosive conversation where you will often find yourself disagreeing, but it is a guarantee that you will not leave thinking exactly the same way you did before about the conflict.
Timestamps: 1:30 - Post-Zionism 5:30 - One-State solution 14:00 - Jewish state 21:00: Two-State solution 30:00 Is peace possible? 37:00 Land for peace 44:00 Jews in the diaspora 55:00 Israeli politics 1:00:00 - Israel’s historic mission
Follow Rav Yehuda's work at Visionmovement.org
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L'Chaim OG (Zecharya Levine) is blowing up in the Jewish music scene with his inspirational lyrics and catchy beats. Zecharya takes us through his journey from growing up Christian to falling in love with Torah and eventually converting. He also debuts an acapella version of his new song and reveals a beautiful secret about the iconic musician Prince, who happens to be his cousin. The Torah wisdom in this conversation is immense as Zecharya shares the lessons he's learned on his journey that will lead to a better, more prosperous life for those who listen.
Timestamps: How beating cancer led to a life of gratitude (4:00) Finding Hashem (6:00) Falling in love with Torah (18:00) Experience with Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox communities (20:00), Inspiring young Jews (22:00) Ending division among the Jewish community (37:00) His cousin Prince (51:00) New song (53:00)
Rabbi Tovia Singer is world-famous for his debates with priests and pastors as well as for saving countless Jews from falling victim to the hands of Christian cult groups. Rabbi Singer cautions regarding congregations that "are designed to appear Jewish, but are actually fundamentalist Christian churches, which use traditional Jewish symbols to lure the most vulnerable of our Jewish people into their ranks." In this incredible conversation, Rabbi Wildes and Rabbi Singer discuss:
Are Christian Missionaries Still a Threat? (1:30) Atheism (8:30) Should Rabbis Meet With Evangelical Christians? (12:00) The Truth Behind Evangelical Support of Israel (20:00) How Jews For Jesus Backfires Into More Converts to Judaism (36:00) The Divinity of Torah (39:00) Can Torah at Sinai be Proved? (44:00) Debating Atheists like Sam Harris (50:00) Eastern Religions (57:00) Inspiring Young Jews (1:00:00)
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wildescast/id1505237668 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50F2J3i8Uwd2ffsxFhcgva
Follow Rabbi Mark Wildes Instagram: instagram.com/Rabbiwildes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMarkWil...
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Follow Rabbi Tovia Singer: https://www.youtube.com/user/ToviaSinger1/ Outreachjudaism.org
People often refer to Jeffrey Gurian as a “Renaissance Man”, because he’s involved in so many things. He’s a doctor, lecturer, and motivational speaker, but he’s also a comedy writer, performer, director, author, producer, and radio personality, and not always in that order. In this episode, Dr. Gurian shares with Rabbi Wildes how he was able to write multiple books while in the hospital with Covid, how he was able to cure his stutter, the biggest impediment to happiness in people’s lives, his experience working with the biggest comics in the world, the real reason Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, the healing power of meditation and positive thought, and much more.
There are very few people as informed as Dr. Yishayhu on Israeli geopolitics and he has extensive experience in the field, including time spent as an advisor at the highest levels of the Israeli government.
In this episode, Dr. Yishayahu explains Israel's precarious position in regards to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, how the instability in eastern Europe may actually benefit Israel in their conflict with Iran, whether the West should institute a no-fly-zone in Ukraine, and more.
This week, Rabbi Wildes sits down with social media superstar Lizzy Savetsky. Lizzy spreads positive messages surrounding the topics of Israel advocacy, matchmaking, women's empowerment and more to her nearly 200,000 Instagram followers. Lizzy shares how she balances her social media presence with her everyday life, which Instagram comments irritate her the most, why she enjoys matchmaking, her message to empower young women, and more.
2 of the 3 million refugees created by the Russian invasion into Ukraine have fled to Poland. Rabbi Mark Wildes speaks with the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Rabbi Michael Schudrich on how the Polish Jewish community is responding to the crisis.
"For hundreds of years, Jews have fled out of Poland, but now Jews are fleeing to Poland."
Donate here: https://fjc.org/news/crisis-in-ukraine/
Rabbi Mark Wildes is joined by Jacqueline Murekatete, founder of the Genocide Survivors Foundation. Jacqueline shares her harrowing story of how she survived the Rwandan Genocide, her thoughts on the current situation in Ukraine, and more.
Imam Antepli is a globally acknowledged scholar and leader of cross-religious and cross-cultural dialogue in American higher education and in non-profit world. He has built multiple organizations and initiatives to facilitate religious and spiritual life across America’s college campuses, sowing seeds of understanding between religions while upholding their cultural integrity and dignity. In July 2019, Antepli joined the Sanford School of Public Policy as associate professor of the practice, with a secondary appointment at the Divinity School as associate professor of the practice of interfaith relations.
From 1996-2003 he worked on a variety of faith-based humanitarian and relief projects in Myanmar (Burma) and Malaysia with the Association of Social and Economic Solidarity with Pacific Countries. From 2003 to 2005 he served as the first Muslim chaplain at Wesleyan University. He then moved to Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, where he was the associate director of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program & Interfaith Relations, as well as an adjunct faculty member.
He previously served as Duke University's first Muslim chaplain and director of Center for Muslim Life from July 2008 to 2014, and then as Duke's chief representative for Muslim affairs from July 2014 to 2019. He was also the associate director of the Duke Islamic Studies Center from 2014 to 2015. Professor Antepli is also a senior fellow on Jewish-Muslim Relations at Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, where he founded and co-directs the widely recognized Muslim Leadership Initiative. The NonProfit Times recognized Imam Antepli as one of their Power & Influence Top 50 leaders of 2019, calling him one of the most prominent Muslim leaders in higher education today. As a Muslim-American imam and one of the very few scholars bridging faith, ethics, and public policy, and as someone who was born in Turkey and lived in three different countries, Antepli offers the academy an important element of intellectual, ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.
Raised in Brooklyn, Inna Vernikov is a small business owner and a practicing lawyer. Inna grew up as one of three children in a family of Ukrainian immigrants, being taught the value of integrity and hard work by her mother, a bookkeeper, and her father, a businessman.
As a business owner and attorney, Inna has overcome adversity and has always been there for the people. Supporting local schools and education, Inna has volunteered her time participating in “Career Day” for public school students, advising and inspiring classes of middle schoolers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Inna volunteered her time at the local Masbia Soup Kitchen and donated meals to law enforcement officers at the New York City Police Department’s 61st precinct in Brooklyn, as well as essential workers at Staten Island University Hospital.
Faced with the persistent failure of government on local issues and local communities, Inna began getting involved in politics and government. Inna joined the campaign of former Senator David Storobin, was Special Assistant to former Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and spent her time registering voters on the street with the United Jewish Voters Alliance, while simultaneously running her business.
Inna currently helps mobilize assistance to those in need throughout the 48th City Council District, and has received recognition for the results of her work.
Sivan Rahav-Meir is a media personality and lecturer. Married to Yedidya, the mother of five. Lives in Jerusalem. Went on shlichut with her family 2019-2020, when she served as World Mizrachi's Shlicha to North America.
She works for Israel TV news, writes a column for Yediot Aharonot newspaper, and hosts a weekly radio show on Galei Zahal (Army Radio). Her lectures on the weekly Torah portion are attended by hundreds and the live broadcast attracts thousands more listeners throughout the world. Sivan lectures in Israel and overseas about the media, Judaism, Zionism and new media. She was voted by Globes newspaper as most popular female media personality in Israel and by the Jerusalem Post as one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Naomi Nachman. As cooking has always been her passion, in 2004, Naomi started her own kosher personal chef business, The Aussie Gourmet, to pursue cater weekly and Shabbat/Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities and beyond — including Alaska and Israel. Naomi is often sought after to give cooking demonstrations and produce kosher Chopped competitions throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan as well as across the country, where she shares her immense enthusiasm for food.
Naomi has her own cooking show on Kosher.com called Sunny Side Up. Naomi also hosts her own weekly show, “Table for Two with Naomi Nachman” on The Nachum Segal Network – which covers all food-related topics. In addition, Naomi writes a monthly column for the Mishpacha magazine covering food trends, and is also a contributing editor to The Jewish Home newspaper distributed in Long Island, Baltimore and California writing weekly articles and recipes.
Naomi has also been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, a cooking CD and a variety of newspaper articles covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs.
In 2017 Naomi published her debut cook Perfect For Pesach with Artscroll.
Naomi published her second cookbook Perfect Flavors in November, 2018 Artscroll.
Lori Palatnik is a writer and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio. She is the Founding Director of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project, an international initiative that brings thousands of women to Israel each year from 18 different countries on highly subsidized programs to inspire them with the beauty and wisdom of their heritage (www.jwrp.org). She is a much sought-after international speaker, having lectured in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Central America, South America, South Africa and Israel, including featured talks at Yale, Brown and Penn. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik, and is the busy mother of five children, ages 25 to 15.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes continues his Science and Religion series. His guest is renowned scientist Rabbi Dr. Chaim Presby. They talk about evolution, Torah, human origins and a host of other issues.
Gerald Schroeder is a scientist with over thirty years of experience in research and teaching. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees all at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with his doctorate thesis being under the supervision of physics professor Robley D. Evans. This was followed by five years on the staff of the MIT physics department prior to moving to Israel, where he joined the Weizmann Institute of Science and then the Volcani Research Institute, while also having a laboratory at The Hebrew University. His Doctorate is in two fields: Earth sciences and physics.
Schroeder’s formal theological training in biblical, talmudic and kabalistic interpretation includes fifteen years of study under the late Rabbi Herman Pollack, Rabbi Chaim Brovender and Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory.
The scientific career that Schroeder chose has given him varied and often unusual experiences. In his work with nuclear disarmament, he has been present at the detonation of a long series of nuclear weapons [atomic bombs]. Work in control of radioactivity has put him hundreds of meters below ground in U.S. and foreign uranium mines. Within this research, he invented and had patented the first real time monitor for airborne alpha beta gamma emitters. The government of the People’s Republic of China, during the decade before it established direct contacts with Israel, was willing to overlook his Jerusalem address and had him as a frequent advisor. He also has consulted for agencies of the governments of Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, USA. Invitations for him to lecture have come from around the world. He has over 60 publications in the world’s leading scientific journals on topics ranging from the radon atmosphere of the moon (in Science) to the metabolism of mother’s milk (in Nutrition Reports International). The results of Schroeder’s work have been reported in Time, Newsweek, Scientific American and in newspapers as far apart as Boston and Adelaide. His formal training in chemistry, physics and the Earth and planetary sciences provides the basis for the broad scientific perspective he brings to his books and lectures.
For the past twenty-five years, Dr. Schroeder has also pursued a study of ancient biblical interpretation. An ability to handle the biblical material in the original languages allows him to tap the subtle depths contained in the original texts. These nuances are often missed when working with translations. The uniqueness and success of Schroeder’s approach integrating biblical and scientific knowledge is demonstrated by the success of his first book, Genesis and the Big Bang (published by Bantam Doubleday), and the wide acclaim for his second book The Science of God (published by The Free Press of Simon & Schuster and Broadway Books of Bantam Doubleday) which was on the Barnes & Noble list of non-fiction best sellers and was Amazon.com’s best selling book in the field of physics/cosmology for all of 1998. This was followed by The Hidden Face of God, discovering the unity that binds all existence (published by The Free Press of Simon & Schuster). His book, God According to God, A scientist proves we’ve been wrong about God all along, was published in May 2009 with HarperOne and has enthusiastic endorsements by leading theologians, both Jewish and Christian, and a Noble Laureate scientist.
His books appear in 10 languages.
Gerald Schroeder lives in Jerusalem with his wife (the author, Barbara Sofer). They’ve had five children with a changing number of grandchildren. He moved to Israel from the USA in 1971. In addition to his current work in radiation control, he teaches at Aish HaTorah College of Jewish Studies, writes and lectures on the extraordinary confluence of modern science and ancient biblical commentary.
On this episode of the WildesCast we begin a new three-part series on the relationship between religion and science. Our first guest in the series is Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, otherwise known as “The Zoo Rabbi.” Can you believe in both Torah and Evolution? How can a study of the animal kingdom help us remain faithful to Judaism and still believe in science? Hear answers to these questions and more.
Rabbi David Aaron is a spiritual visionary and master educator who has invested over 3 decades delving into life’s BIGGEST question marks and sharing Torah’s transformational wisdom to adults and young adults. He has emerged as the ‘God expert’ simply because he has dared to ask and answer the most difficult questions that he/ALL people have and/or struggle with about God’s existence and their own.
The Annual Ruth B. Wildes Memorial Lecture 2021 presents an evening with Rachel Kraus.
This event is Complimentary with a suggested donation and includes a Dessert Reception & Wine Bar following the lecture. Rachel is an incredibly interesting, knowledgeable and dynamic speaker, who's topic this evening will be "The Torah's Hidden Thread to Humanity."
Rachel Kraus is a marketing and brand executive and managing director of a boutique marketing and brand consulting firm. Previously, Rachel was the Vice President of Marketing at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield where led the World Trade Center retail development. Prior to leading World Trade Center retail development, she led national partnership marketing for the US portfolio and special global projects including the 2012 Olympic Games.
Rachel is also the Director of Community Education at Kehilath Jeshurun on the Upper East Side where she lectures, delivers sermons and facilitates informal educational programming.
Rachel and her husband Daniel also served as MJE's Downtown Directors.
Rachel completed a B.S. from Stern College majoring in marketing with a minor in music including coursework and study at The Juilliard School. She completed her MBA at NYU with a concentration in finance, entertainment, media and technology. Rachel lives in Manhattan with her husband and 4 children.
Virág Gulyás is a former diplomat to the EU, communications consultant, and journalist. She is also the NYC coordinator for End Jew Hatred, a grassroots civil rights movement dedicated to ensuring Jewish liberation from centuries of persecution and achieving justice for the Jewish people through peaceful direct action.
As a loud pro-Israel voice, a Hungarian, and a non-Jewish Zionist, Gulyas has created a movement that aims to change the stereotypes about Israel and the Jewish people one day at a time. She regularly writes and speaks about her journey and is well-known for her blog, “The Almost Jewish.”
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with World Series of Poker winner Gershon Distenfeld. Gershon M. Distenfeld, Senior Vice President, is Co-Head of Fixed Income, Director of Credit and a member of the Operating Committee. As Co-Head of Fixed Income, he is responsible for the management and strategic growth of AB’s fixed-income business. As Director of Credit, Distenfeld oversees all of AB’s credit-related strategies, including all global and regional investment-grade and high-yield strategies, as well as their associated investment strategy, activities and portfolio-management teams. In this capacity, he leads AB’s internal Credit Research Review Committee, the primary investment policy and decision-making committee for all credit-related portfolios the firm manages. Distenfeld also co-manages AB’s multiple-award-winning High Income Fund, named “Best Fund over 10 Years” by Lipper from 2012 to 2015, and the multiple-award-winning Global High Yield and American Income portfolios, flagship fixed-income funds on the firm’s Luxembourg-domiciled fund platform for non-US investors. He also designed and is one of the lead portfolio managers for AB’s Multi-Sector Credit Strategy, which invests across investment-grade and high-yield credit sectors globally. Distenfeld is the author of a number of published papers, including one on high-yield bonds being attractive substitutes for equities and another on the often-misunderstood differences between high-yield bonds and loans. Distenfeld joined AB in 1998 as a fixed-income business analyst, and served as a high-yield trader (1999–2002) and high-yield portfolio manager (2002–2006) before being named director of High Yield in 2006. He began his career as an operations analyst supporting Emerging Markets Debt at Lehman Brothers. Distenfeld holds a BS in finance from the Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University, and is a CFA charterholder.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Elon Gold. Elon Gold is a comedian and actor who has starred in FOX's 'Stacked’ and NBC's 'In-Laws’. His one hour stand up special on Netflix, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. He has made ten appearances on 'The Tonight Show' and had a recurring role on the FOX hit show, 'Bones’. Elon was a writer/performer on ABC's 'The Dana Carvey Show' and has guest starred on 'Frasier', 'The Mentalist', 'Chappelle's Show' among others. He recently made stellar appearances on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” and Comedy Central’s “This Week At The Comedy Cellar”. His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. He is also currently featured in the HULU movie “The Binge” and in season 3 of HBO’s “Crashing” playing his most challenging role yet…himself. Elon can next be seen opposite Larry David in a recurring role on the upcoming 11th season of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Leah Gottfried. Leah graduated with a Film Studies degree from Yeshiva University where she studied screenwriting and TV writing as well as cinematography at NYU. Leah also studied at The Actors Circle in Los Angeles and has numerous commercials and TV credits including Time Warner Cable and Yamaha ATV under her belt. She is a sought after speaker and writer, with recent speaking engagements including Yeshiva University and Limmud NY and an op-ed piece published on Mayim Bialik's Groknation website.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Michael Eisenberg. Michael Eisenberg is co-founder and General Partner at Aleph, an early stage venture capital fund with over $500 million under management. Michael has been a venture capitalist for twenty-five years. Aleph focuses on partnering with great Israeli entrepreneurs to build large, meaningful companies and impactful global brands. Since its founding in 2013, Aleph has invested in more than forty companies, including Melio, Lemonade, Bringg, JoyTunes, Healthy.io, and Nexar.
Since 2006, Michael has been writing the blog Six Kids and a Full Time Job, on topics ranging from politics to technology, Judaism, and macroeconomics. He was a contributor to TheMarker, a Hebrew-language daily business newspaper, and is the author of the “The Hummus Manifesto,” the seminal piece on Israel’s innovation scene. Michael has also published five books in Hebrew: The Vanishing Jew, Ben Baruch, The Tree of Life and Prosperity, Everyone can be Moses, and Roaring Tribe. He lectures frequently on venture capital, Israel, and entrepreneurship. He serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Yeshivat Har Etzion and is the chairman of The Shomer Hachadash. Michael lives in Jerusalem with his wife and eight children.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rabbi Dr. Jacob Schacter. Rabbi Shacter is arguably the most important scholar and spokesperson for modern orthodoxy today. He holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages from Harvard and received rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva Torah Vodaas. The other hat Rabbi Schacter wears, and wears well, is that of scholar extraordinaire. He has authored dozens of important scholarly articles and books that have become the mainstay of modern orthodox thought and he lectures worldwide to sellout crowds wherever he speaks. He is Senior Scholar and University Professor at Yeshiva University's Center for the Jewish Future.
Rabbi Chaim Miller was educated at the Haberdashers' Aske's School in London, England and studied Medical Science at Leeds University. At the age of twenty-one, he first began to explore his Jewish roots in full-time Torah study. Less than a decade later, he published the best-selling Kol Menachem Chumash, Gutnick Edition, which made over a thousand complex discourses of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe easily accessible to the layman. His 2011 compilation, the Lifestyle Books Torah, Five Books of Moses, Slager Edition was distributed to thousands of servicemen and women in the U.S. Army. In 2013, he was chosen by the Jewish Press as one of sixty "Movers and Shakers" in the Jewish world. His latest works include Turning Judaism Outward, the first full biography of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and the multivolume Practical Tanya, which has set new standards in the translation of Chasidic thought for contemporary readers. He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Chani and seven children.
In this interview Rabbi Wildes interviews Rabbi Doniel Katz. Doniel Katz is an internationally sought-after speaker and teacher. A former award-winning filmmaker and theater director in Australia, he has lived and studied in Jerusalem for the last ten years. His famous classes in Jerusalem routinely drew overflow crowds eager to hear his unique combination of mussar, self-development, Chassidus and Kabbalah. Rabbi Katz's ability to present profound concepts from all areas of Torah in a concrete ad meaningful way makes him a favorite teacher. His mission is to reveal the unity among different paths of Torah in order to allow all Jews to experience its spiritual depth, beauty, and transformative power.
Beatie Deutsch is the Israeli national champion in the marathon and half marathon. As a mother of five young children, she has learned to apply her training to the real marathon of life. Beatie took up running just four years ago and recently went pro with the goal of qualifying for Tokyo 2020 and representing Israel in the Olympics. More than anything else, her journey has empowered her to dream big and keep pushing, a message Beatie is passionate about sharing with other women.
Dr. Nava Silton is a Professor of Psychology at Marymount Manhattan College. After graduating from Cornell University in 2002, she completed a master's and doctorate in Developmental Psychology at Fordham University. Nava looks at the interface between religion and health and has done significant work in the fields of disabilities and children's media. She has worked at Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop and has consulted for Netflix, Blue's Clues, Mediakidz, etc. She has appeared often on Fox 5 News and on other media outlets such as NBC, The Good Day NY Show and the Huffington Post to talk about child development and relationships, including tips on dating, improving your self-esteem and how to be more positive. She has run several dating weekends and events at various synagogues and recently developed a card game called "Bashert" where people can ask their date interesting and meaningful questions. It's sold at numerous stores including West Side Judaica. She wrote Realabilities, a Children's Comic Book Series and wrote and produced an off-Broadway Musical, entitled Addy and Uno and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Fordham University, Touro College and Hunter College. She has edited six textbooks, has written more than 36 peer-reviewed journal articles and is in the middle of writing her third screenplay. Originally from Albany, this PhD is fighting to make the world a better place. She is the daughter of a rabbi and has five children.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Thane Rosenbaum. Thane Rosenbaum (born 1960) is an American novelist, essayist, and Distinguished University Professor. He is the director of the Forum on Life, Culture, & Society, hosted by Touro College. Rosenbaum is also the Legal Analyst for CBS News Radio and appears frequently on cable television news programs.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Gabriel Boxer. Boxer, known as "Kosher Guru" is a leading kosher industry food & restaurant consultant and social media sensation with over 40,300 followers on Instagram and runs one of the largest and fastest organically growing Kosher Foodie Facebook Groups "Kosher Guru's Kosher Nation." He is all about bringing anything and everything kosher to the masses in a fun-filled and Kosher way. Hosting the only kosher foodie & restaurant radio show “The Nosh” with Kosher Guru airing every Thursday evenings at 9:30 P.M. on station 620AM in the NYC area, along with his iTunes & Google Play podcast channel. You can follow him on Instagram & Facebook @kosherguru, on Twitter @thekosherguru, or subscribe to his YouTube channel and on his blog at thekosherguru.com Gabriel is also a weekly food writer For Whisk, the food section of Ami Magazine and writes a monthly article in Fleishigs Magazine on Restaurants and Travel. He also hosts vacation programs and lectures on the kosher restaurant scene.
Today's guest is Joshua Washington. He is the Director of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI). The 30 year-old is a composition graduate of the University of Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. Joshua was formerly IBSI’s Director of Special Events, and planned music performances featuring The Hebrew Project Artists (THP) across the country. Joshua is also a graduate of Christians United for Israel’s 2016 Diversity Outreach Mentoring Endeavor (DOME), where he received training in Israel advocacy for diverse audiences.
Joshua was chosen to travel to Israel twice; once as part of CUFI’s millennial outreach, Israel Collective, and again as part of music performances with Victor Styrsky’s Wild Branches & Friends. His other musical endeavors include Directing a K-12 music school called the Zion Academy of Music, arranging music for the Boston Pops, and music directing for other artists and special films such as CUFI’s Mizrahi Project. Joshua writes and speaks extensively on Zionism and Civil Rights, seeking to strengthen the black and Jewish relationship in the US as well. His family works hard every day at IBSI to forge bonds between the black and Jewish communities and to educate many. Joshua, thanks for appearing on the show.
Our guest today is a man of many talents, one of them may an ability to see the future. Jon Loew is a Netflix producer of numerous shows, including "Spycraft" and "Terrorism Close Calls." He is a co-founder of Fuel For Truth and Legion. Fuel For Truth was created to help college students become educated about Israel and enable them to have confidence to partake in peaceful dialogue, stating facts about Israel as opposed to propaganda that is often spewed on college campuses to demonize the Jewish State. He is also a co-founder of Legion, a self-defense group largely of Jews that is now in 23 locations. In these classes, students learn Krava Maga, do active shooter drills and learn how defend themselves from knife attacks. Jon also is a firefighter is is kind enough to give people vegetables he grows in his garden for free.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with David Jablinowitz. Broadcast journalist and public speaker David (Zeev) Jablinowitz, who made aliyah from New York to Jerusalem and then moved to Beit Shemesh, enjoys talking about his interviews with interesting personalities – including US President Barack Obama, and no less than seven Israeli prime ministers.
“Obama laughed at me when I told him that I was a New York Mets fan,” he recalls.
After studying at Queens College, Jablinowitz made aliyah in 1981 from New York, where, growing up, he never imagined that he would one day become a top broadcaster for Israel Radio’s English News.
“I always had a love for journalism,” he says. “Anyone who knew me said I had a passion for knowledge and my curiosity would lead me to my career and they were correct. In high school, I worked on the school newspaper and in college I broadcast a news program so when I made aliyah I was certain I wanted to work in communications and that’s how I came to Kol Yisrael [Israel Radio].”
Jablinowitz worked for over 30 years reporting in and on Israel, 25 of them as a diplomatic and political correspondent at Israel Radio. He has briefed missions visiting Israel from North America, and has traveled to the US on speaking tours. Married to Shari with four children and two grandchildren, he has now left Israel Radio and is contemplating his next career move.
In this episode the tables are turned. Rabbi Wildes is interviewed by his friend and colleague Rabbi Ezra Cohen. They discuss Rabbi Wildes' forthcoming new book, The 40 Day Challenge.
In the episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Sarri Singer. In life, sadly there are victims of heinous acts of violence. Some stay victims their whole lives, broken and battered while a few select people, like our guest today, are able to take a horrible trauma that happened to them and turn it around to do good in the world. New Jersey resident Sarri Singer, who works in Manhattan, is one of those rare people. She is the founder of the organization Strength to Strength and she has worked with her organization to help victims of terror worldwide to cope psychologically with what has happened to them. She recently spoke at a rally against anti-Semitism that I and many others attended in response to the spike of violence in New York City. She has addressed esteemed groups about dealing with terrorism, including one at the United Nations. One of her speeches for Hadassah was entitled: "Practical Zionism: What Surviving Terror Teaches You."
This past Friday was 18 years to the day that Sarri did something that most of us have done at one time or another. She got on a bus. Only this time, her choice of seat on her bus in Israel likely saved her life. A Hamas suicide bomber detonated his device and scores of people were killed and injured. Sarri was injured and still has shrapnel in her leg that doctors could not remove, but she survived and went on to fight terrorism in her special way. She believes that by closing her eyes at the moment of the blast, she likely saved her sight. It is not uncommon for her to have late night phone calls with victims of terror both Jewish and gentile and she relentlessly looks out for the interests of those who have suffered from acts of terrorism. Sadly there are many. Born in Lakewood, New Jersey, she is the daughter of New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer. Sarri has spoken to audiences across the globe and has appeared on CNN, Fox News Channel and numerous radio stations.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Daniel Wallach. Daniel is a curious kid from Palo Alto, California. Bugged by a loud and persistent question, "What does it mean to be Jewish?", Daniel was thrust into a strange, random, and wonderful journey that brought him to MJE one spring Shabbos morning in 2019. Daniel chose Rabbi Wildes as his mentor the day he met him and continued to say yes to everything MJE had to offer. As he was completing Fellowship in 2020, the world shut down with Covid19. Confused with the world and eager to continue a path of self-growth, Daniel made a sudden decision last September to fly to Israel and study in Yeshiva. Daniel is an Actor with a special interest in Shakespeare, working in regional theatre before he arrived in New York. When in New York, Daniel continues his artistic pursuits, teaches theatre to kids, and dabbles in Real Estate. Daniel is a graduate of CalArts School of Theater with a BFA in Acting.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Dmitriy Salita. Dmitriy is a hero to many and one of the most famous Jewish boxers of our time. Born in the Ukraine, Dmitriy learned his trade at Starrett City boxing under the tutelage of Jimmy O. He was undefeated in his first 29 fights. He stands with a record of 35 wins, 2 losses and won draw with 18 knockouts. He was the star of the 2007 Documentary Orthodox Stance. As if that were not enough, the 39-year-old started a new chapter of his life founding Salita Promotions, for which he is president. He has numerous boxers in his stable, including Clariss Shields, who is viewed as one of the best female boxers in the world. While many would think that boxing and observing Judaism are antithetical, Salita has always believed that they go hand in hand.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Izzy Ezagui. Izzy, a decorated squad commander in the Israel Defense Forces, is the only soldier in the world who lost an arm in combat and returned to the battlefield. In 2011, former President Shimon Peres awarded him one of Israel's highest military honors. While he continues to serve in an elite unit in the reserves, Izzy delivers inspirational talks across the United States and internationally. He's appeared on the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera America, and Fox News. The Algemeiner chose Izzy as one of 100 people positively influencing Jewish life. He also raises millions of dollars for hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and other charities, such as the Birthright Foundation. He has worked with amputee organization, schools, colleges, universities, hedge funds, and corporate events for companies such as Nike and Apple
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Nissim Black. Nissim Black, whose first name is the word for miracle has done some miraculous things. At 34, he has six children with his wife Adina. Growing up on the street of Seattle things were not always the best. There was violence around some of the time. Nissim and his wife converted to Judaism. He and his wife made aliyah and they live in Ramat Beit Shemesh in Israel. Nissim also has his own brand of whisky-Hava whisky.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with renowned comedian Modi Rosenfeld. Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by the Hollywood Reporter and BackStage, MODI is one of the comedy circuit's most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC.Comedy Central, Howard Stern and E! Entertainment, MODI has received rave reviews in the New York Times, Time Out NY and the New York Post.
Born in Israel, MODI moved to the United States when he was seven. After college, MODI worked as an investment banker and had no plans to become a stand up comedian. But one open mic changed everything.
Amelia David of BackStage raves, "MODI has a young Sid Caesar-esque talent for creating accents and characters, making him appeal to a diverse market." According to the Los Angeles Times, MODI is "versatile and quick on his feet. He can read an audience in a beat and improvise so nimbly that he keeps any audience, regardless of age, race and gender, laughing."
MODI has appeared in several feature films and played leading roles in two: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film. According to Variety, MODI delivers a "naturally funny performance with a tremendous amount of energy on screen."
MODI is a regular performer at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs and headlines around the country. He has also gone on tour in the United Kingdom, Holland and Israel and performs in comedy festivals and special venues, including Montreal's Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Kosha Dillz . Kosha Dillz is a Brooklyn based rapper who has been channeling his Jewish identity through rap for the last 15 years. A billboard charting artist, he has shared stages and festivals with everyone from Macklemore and Matisyahu to Kendrick Lamar to rap battles with the late DMX. Tune in to hear how Kosha, whose real name is Rami Even-Esh overcame addiction to shine bright in the rap game performing around the world.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with renowned couples and sex therapist Dr. Shy Krug. Shy Krug is a clinical psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist, is the founder and director of Blue Anchor Psychology, a group practice in Manhattan focused on sex therapy, couples therapy, and trauma, mood, anxiety disorders. Dr Krug also serves as a consulting psychologist at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center where he co-founded the sexual health clinic. Dr. Krug completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and a postdoctoral certificate in sex therapy from The Buehler Institute. In his spare time, Dr. Krug also works as a professional magician.
This episode is MJE’s Annual Terry and Harry Pniewski Holocaust remembrance program featuring Rabbi Wildes' interview with Dr. Henry Ruston. Dr. Ruston shares his harrowing story of survival and his journey to becoming an Ivy League professor.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes shares ten insights that will help you have a more meaningful Seder experience.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rudy Rochman. Rochman is a noted speaker and writer on Jewish rights. Rochman's argument about the state of Israel's right to exist centers around the idea that Jews are indigenous to the land. He views Zionism as a movement of decolonization. Rochman has also criticized intersectionality because of how it has been used to demonize Israel. He has notably stated that Judaism is not a religion, but rather an ethnic group that is indigenous to the land of Israel.
Rochman is also know for his work as a Pro-Israel activist on social media. He has thousands of followers and subscribers on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. Rochman currently serves on the board of The Israel Innovation Fund, which is a philanthropic fund. In 2018, Rochman received the 36 Under 36 award for being one of the most influential Jews in the world. Currently, Rochman is running the Vision slate in the World Zionist Congress elections.
God didn’t design the Seder to put your kids to sleep. Instead, the Seder is an experience your family should love, treasure and remember. Have you ever wondered that there might be something more to Passover, the Seder and in the Haggadah―something that just might hold the secrets to living the life of joy and meaning that you were intended to? In The Telling, Mark Gerson, host of The Rabbi’s Husband podcast and renowned Jewish philanthropist, shows us how to make the Seder the most engaging, inspiring, and important night of the Jewish year.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Angela Himsel. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Jewish Week, Forward, Lilith and elsewhere. Her column Angetevka” on Zeek.net American won two American Jewish Press Association Awards. Angela holds a BA from Indiana University, which included two years at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and an MFA from The City College of New York. She grew up the seventh of eleven children in rural southern Indiana in a fundamentalist, doomsday, Christian faith. She converted to Judaism and lives in New York City. A River Could Be a Tree traces that journey.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Sarah Hurwitz. She's the author of "Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life--in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)." After a decade as a political speechwriter—serving as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama, a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, and chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential campaign—Sarah Hurwitz decided to apply her skills as a communicator to writing a book . . . about Judaism. And no one is more surprised than she is.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes interviews Liel Leibovitz. Liel Leibovitz is an Israeli-American journalist, author, media critic and video game scholar, and co-host of the wildly popular podcast Unorthodox. When he was 9 years old, he became interested in the United States after visiting relatives resident there and his interest has never died. Leibovitz was a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Spokesperson’s Unit of the Israel Defense Forces. He worked at a hardware store and then at the Israeli Consulate as a senior press officer, producing "Israel Line," a daily summary of significant news taken directly from Israeli media. He received his B.A. from Tel Aviv University and after moving to New York City where his love of America continued to bloom, he received an M.S. in journalism and a Ph.D. in communications from Columbia University. He served as culture editor of the Jewish Week and has written for The Nation, as well as for The New Republic. At Tablet magazine, Leibovitz serves as senior writer and executive producer of video and interactive media.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with author and Signature bank founder Scott Shay. Scott Shay is a leading businessman, thought leader and author of two widely read books. Scott co-founded Signature Bank in 2001; the bank has become one of the best banks in New York for private business owners.Scott's second book, In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism, has been recognized as one of the best books of 2018 by Mosaic Authors and earned a finalist award from National Jewish Books.Scott gives talks around the country and is interviewed on TV, radio, and podcasts many times throughout the year.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Walt Disney Studios Animator and MJE alumnus Saul Blinkoff. Saul began his career as an animator for the Walt Disney Studios working on the hit films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, & Tarzan. He made his directorial debut with the hip action-adventure series Spy Groove for MTV. Shortly thereafter, he re-joined DISNEY, directing the films Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo & Kronk's New Groove- starring Eartha Kitt & David Spade. Saul also consulted in development on the DISNEY films: Tinkerbell, Fox and The Hound II, Brother Bear II, Cinderella III, and Dumbo II. Saul has directed high profile commercials for clients such as Best Buy, Dunkin' Donuts, ESPN, Subway, Mercedes Benz, EA Sports & Build-A-Bear. For NETFLIX, Saul was Consulting Director on the hit show Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures and was Supervising Director on Llama Llama starring Jennifer Garner. Currently, Saul is the Supervising Producer on the DREAMWORKS hit show Madagascar: A Little Wild on HULU/PEACOCK.
Saul, a proud, knowledgable and observant Jew, speaks around the world sharing practical tools for success, meaning and fulfillment in all aspects of life! He also hosts the inspirational weekly podcast; Life of AWESOME!
Saul lives in Los Angeles with his wife Marion and their four children.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with acclaimed professional matchmaker Danielle Rudoff. They talk about online dating, platonic relationships that heat up, and whether or not to go on the second date, along with a host of other topics.
D Lichtenstein is one of the most successful real estate developers in the country and a world class Torah Scholar. He is the host of “HEADLINES” - the single most popular podcast in the Orthodox Jewish community. A wonderful philanthropist and religious educator, David is CEO of The Lightstone Group which he founded in 1988.
Among other things, Rabbi Mark asks David how to balance a life of professional success with Torah observance, how to manage our precious time, and what’s a Jew to do when a politician has values you can’t stand but polices you love.
In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with acclaimed filmmaker Jeremy Garelick. Jeremy has worked with numerous actors including Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, and Kevin Hart. He is also an MJE alumnus.
Today's episode is a conversation about 2020 with Rabbi Mark Wildes and Rabbi Ezra Cohen. The two look back at this historic year – what they've learned, how they coped with the pandemic, and the passing of three great Jewish luminaries. And then they look ahead at what 2021 has in store.
Today's episode is conversation with Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, the Chief Rabbi of Dubai and the chaplain at New York University. On the show, Rabbi Wildes and Rabbi Sarna discuss the historic Abraham Accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, what it's like being a rabbi in a predominantly Muslim country, and how the pandemic has altered the campus outreach that Rabbi Sarna does at NYU.
Today's episode is a special one. It's a conversation with former Senator Joe Lieberman. Rabbi Wildes is joined by his brother, Mayor Michael Wildes, as they interview the senator about what it was like being a Sabbath-observant politician and what his advice would be to guide us through our currently fractured political time. This recording was part of the annual Ruth B. Wildes lecture series hosted by MJE. Previous speakers have included Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Norman Lamm and other Jewish notables.
Just a little note: There were some audio issues at one point in the episode, but they get resolved a few minutes later.
Today's episode is a special one. It's a conversation between Rabbi Wildes and Eli Beer. Eli is the founder of United Hatzalah of Israel, a life-saving emergency medical organization. Eli is used to being the healer, but earlier this year he contracted COVID and was put into a medically induced coma for a month. In today's episode, you'll hear all about how Eli rescues others and what happened when he became the one in need.
To learn more about United Hatzalah, please visit www.israelrescue.org.
Today's episode is a special one. It's a conversation between Rabbi Wildes and Michael Oren, who served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States. In this episode, Rabbi Wildes and Ambassador Oren talk about the latest developments in Middle East politics, including the historic Abraham Accords between Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. They also chat about Michael's new book, which is a collection of short stories featuring a vast array of characters – from ghosts and Upper West Side Jews to aliens and Christian clerics. You'll also hear about Ambassador Oren's previous career as the assistant to Orson Welles.
Read Ambassador Oren's latest op-ed in the Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-triumph-for-peace-is-a-humiliation-for-the-peace-industry-11600900809
For more information about Ambassador Oren and his new book “The Night Archer and Other Stories" please visit: www.michaeloren.com
Today's episode is a special one. It's a conversation between Rabbi Wildes and bestselling author AJ Jacobs. As many of you know, AJ is the author of the book "The Year of Living Biblically" where he tried to follow all the commandments in the Torah. In this episode, Rabbi Wildes and AJ talk about that spiritual journey, as well as a handful of other books AJ has written – including one about gratitude and how it relates to Judaism.
For more info on AJ and to purchase his books, please visit his website at www.ajjacobs.com.
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. The topic is "The Road Back: Confronting Intermarriage and Assimilation."
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://bit.ly/2Cd9hSq
Yonah Bookstein is co-founder and Deanna and Allen Alevy Senior Rabbi at the Pico Shul in Los Angeles, and co-director of Camp Neshama, projects building spiritual community for Jews in their 20s and 30s. In this episode, Rabbi Wildes and Rabbi Bookstein – longtime friends from their decades of working together in Jewish outreach on opposite coasts – discuss what Judaism looks like in the age of corona, the Black Lives Matter movement, and how we can all elevate our spiritual lives in these historic times.
Find out more about Rabbi Bookstein's online dating seminar: http://kesherseminar.com
Learn more about Rabbi Bookstein at: http://rabbiyonah.com
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. The topic is "The Blame Game: Do we take responsibility for our actions?" We open with a fascinating story about a famous classical musician that you're not going to want to miss
Today's episode is a special one. It's a conversation between Rabbi Wildes and his close friend, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, the Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, the largest Orthodox Synagogue in the Southeast United States. Even outside of his Florida community, Rabbi Goldberg is known across the country for the leadership role he plays in the modern orthodox community. His classes are now enjoyed by thousands of people each day around the world. On today's show, the two rabbis talking about the biggest challenges they face shepherding a community through a global pandemic and the importance of promoting nuanced conversations amongst their congregants.
Learn more about Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at: https://rabbiefremgoldberg.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/rabbiefremgoldberg https://twitter.com/rabbigoldberg https://www.instagram.com/rabbiefremgoldberg/ https://www.facebook.com/efrem.goldberg https://www.brsonline.org/
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. The topic is "Thou Shall Not Hate: Navigating Relationships in a Complex World."
Here is a link to the source sheet for the class: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0npr7r0q8vilwvf/ReachingOut0702.jpeg?dl=0
You're in for a real treat today and that's because, in this episode, Rabbi Wildes interviews his brother Michael. Michael is a law professor, an immigration attorney, a volunteer EMT and the mayor of Englewood, New Jersey. The two brothers had a fascinating conversation about the coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter movement – among a whole host of other topics. Their sibling rivalry, and their love for each other, shined through during this intriguing interview.
Find our more about Michael Wildes here: https://www.wildeslaw.com
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. It's the second in a special 2 part series. The topic is "Technology & Slander: Where do we draw the line?" It's a Jewish perspective on the good, the bad and the ugly of social media.
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/sdw8xxdv1mvqmof/Tech%26Slander.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. It's the first in a special 2 part series. The topic is "Technology & Slander: Where do we draw the line? It's a Jewish perspective on the good, the bad and the ugly of social media.
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/sdw8xxdv1mvqmof/Tech%26Slander.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a special Facebook Live event. On Tuesday night, June 9th, the Manhattan Jewish Experience hosted a panel discussion on racism in America. Rabbi Wildes was joined by Reverend Joseph Ford, the Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Stamford, and Eric Adams, the Borough President of Brooklyn. They had an important and thoughtful conversation about the the terrible tragedy surrounding the death of George Floyd.
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. It's the second in a special two-part series about the Jewish imperative to fix the world. In light of recent events, we dedicate this class to the terrible tragedy surrounding the death of George Floyd.
Here is a link to today’s source material: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9rv7l2gyfolxumr/TikkunOlam0608.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. It's the first in a special two-part series about the Jewish imperative to fix the world. Social justice began when God told Adam to make the world a better place. In light of recent events, we dedicate this class to the terrible tragedy surrounding the death of George Floyd.
Here is a link to today’s source sheets: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9rv7l2gyfolxumr/TikkunOlam0608.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. It's the second in a special two-part series called "Do we really make our own choices? What Judaism teaches us about our ability to react to things in the right way." Martin Luther King Jr once said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” In this series, Rabbi Wildes reflects on the terrible tragedy of the death of George Floyd and the reaction which has ensued across the United States.
Here is a link to today’s source material: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ptcxhe56289x8q/Choice0601.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn on Facebook Live. It's the first in a special two-part series called "Do we really make our own choices? What Judaism teaches us about our ability to react to things in the right way." Martin Luther King Jr once said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” In this series, Rabbi Wildes reflects on the terrible tragedy of the death of George Floyd and the reaction which has ensued across the United States.
Here is a link to today’s source material: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ptcxhe56289x8q/Choice0601.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a special Facebook Live event. It was a panel discussion about dating in the age of corona. The panelists included Rabbi Wildes, matchmaker Brooke Wise and Saw You At Sinai founder Marc Goldmann.
For more information, visit: www.wisematchmaking.com www.sawyouatsinai.com
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Tonight marks the start of Yom Yerushalayim, the day Jerusalem was reunified in 1967. So the topic for today's class is the miracle of Jerusalem and the Six Day War.
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gx1k1vizwxidtcf/yomyerushalayim.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. This is the second in a two-part series on Belief vs. Trust. What are the reasons for believing and trusting in a power beyond ourselves? And when do we believe in ourselves rather than place our faith in God?
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. This is the first in a two-part series on Belief vs. Trust. What are the reasons for believing and trusting in a power beyond ourselves? And when do we believe in ourselves rather than place our faith in God?
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. The topic of discussion is: What does it mean to be part of the chosen people?
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/080f5ump6borpio/TheChosenPeople.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. The topic of discussion is: Are you building the world or are you destroying it? We look at the contrasting concepts of acts of kindness vs. slander.
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cn8s4zzbb22a8dt/Love%20Your%20Neighbor.jpg?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Today, Rabbi Wildes discusses what it means to pray alone in the age of corona when we're all at home and can't visit a synagogue.
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ujnd3a7y2exu7p4/Prayer-Corona-0507.jpg?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. This is the second of two episodes on the topic of "Health and Halacha." Today, Rabbi Wildes discusses the question: What is the Jewish perspective on cosmetic surgery?
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. This is the first of two episodes on the topic of "Health and Halacha." Today, Rabbi Wildes discusses the existential question: Can you sacrifice one life to save another? It's a particularly important conversation given that we are living during a global pandemic where doctors are unfortunately being faced with these life and death situations.
Here is a link to today’s source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i17grjoncwsv36v/SanctityOfHumanLife.pdf?dl=0
Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Today's topic is “Failing Forward" – the uniquely Jewish perspective on how we grow as people and how to get back up when we fall. Rabbi Wildes begins the class by talking about how he failed the bar exam – more than once.
Today's episode is a very special one. In honor of Israel's 72nd birthday, Rabbi Wildes interviewed Israeli writer Yossi Klein Halevi. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book "Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor."
To learn more about Yossi Klein Halevi:
More about the book on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letterstomyneighbor/
A short video on Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor and Constructive Dialogue: www.facebook.com/YossiKleinHalevi/videos/280183176295856/
Website for the book where readers can purchase the new edition and submit responses and read the ongoing dialogue between Yossi and Palestinian readers: www.letterstomyneighbor.com
Yossi's facebook page: www.facebook.com/YossiKleinHalevi/
Yossi's Twitter handle: @YKleinHalevi
Today we're rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Leading up to Israel Independence Day, we're talking about the importance of the establishment of the State of Israel.
Today we're rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. We are transitioning now from Holocaust Remembrance Day to Israel Independence Day.
Today we're rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, today's topic is the "U.S. Response to Holocaust."
Tonight we're rebroadcasting an interview that Rabbi Wildes did on Facebook Live. It's a special event for Holocaust Remembrance Day. You'll hear the story of survival, heroism and faith from Dr. Moshe Avital, a Holocaust survivor. He was a teenager that withstood the horrors of the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. In this very special episode of The Wildescast, listen to Dr. Avital tell Rabbi Wildes about his experience during World War II. And he offers up hope for the world in these trying times.
Dr. Avital is a writer and author and has been a steady contributor to the Hebrew press in America and Israel. Dr. Avital writes about the Holocaust, Israel, Zionism, Jewish Education, American Jewry, commentaries on the Bible, Jewish Prayer, Jewish personalities, and Jewish holidays.
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. We're starting a weeklong series called "From Destruction to Rebirth" which tracks our journey from Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, to Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Today's topic is "Faith and Optimism in the Face of Tragedy."
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Today's topic is called "What's your mission in life?"
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Today's topic focuses on two aspects from this week's Torah portion, Parshat Shemini: "Religious Ecstasy and the Laws of Kashrut."
Here is the source sheet we’ll be using today: https://bit.ly/2RHUELs
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Today's topic is "Religious Zionism, the State of Israel and the Holiday of Passover." This is the second of two parts about the religious significance, not of the land of Israel, but of the modern day apparatuses of the the State of Israel.
Here is a link to today's source material: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4gi9wpspl2ubfbc/zionism%20and%20judaism.pdf?dl=0
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Today's topic is "Religious Zionism, the State of Israel and the Holiday of Passover." This is the first of two parts about the religious significance, not of the land of Israel, but of the modern day apparatuses of the the State of Israel.
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Today's topic is the Sefirat Haomer, the 49 days between the Exodus of Egypt on Passover until the moment we received the Torah at Mt. Sinai on the festival of Shavuot. Is it a time of joy or are these weeks a time of mourning? Or is both? Find out right now.
Here is a link to today's source sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/s/05c0kni963w5wak/Omer.pdf?dl=0
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. With only a day left until Passover, Rabbi Wildes offers insights about the Jewish festival and the Biblical story of the Exodus on which it is based.
Here is a link to today's source material: https://bit.ly/2wK4hSP
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. Rabbi Wildes starts off with a beautiful thought about Moses' journey as a leader and what that can teach us about our own lives. Plus, we continue our way through the Passover Seder by discussing the Maggid section.
Here's a link to today's source material: https://www.dropbox.com/s/yxvmqwgr4p5lmmr/Elevating%20Your%20Seder.pdf?dl=0
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. It's the Sabbath before Passover -- known as Shabbat Hagadol in Hebrew. So today, we're going to be taking a look at this week's Torah portion and how it relates to the Passover holiday.
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a Facebook Live that Rabbi Wildes gave. It's a free-wheeling Passover-themed "Ask the Rabbi" session. He answers questions from the spiritual -- What is freedom to a Jew in quarantine in 2020? -- to the mundane: Do we really need to buy a new toothbrush for Passover?
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes recently gave on Facebook Live. We're continuing our pre-Passover coverage. Today's topic is "Judaism for Everyone: What the four son's of the Passover Seder can teach us about how we each can relate to Torah and Judaism."
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes recently gave on Facebook Live. We're continuing our pre-Passover coverage. Today we take a look at Moses and the story of the Jewish people's Exodus from Egypt. Plus, we start to go through the seder and offer insights into each section.
Here is a link to this episode's source material: https://bit.ly/2wK4hSP
Today we're going to be rebroadcasting a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes recently gave on Facebook Live. We're continuing our pre-Passover coverage. Today we look at, among other things, a modern interpretation of the four sons from the Passover Seder.
Here is a link to this episode's source material: https://bit.ly/2wK4hSP
This Passover 101 Workshop was recorded on Facebook Live on 3/30/20.
Here is a link to the Passover work sheet referenced in the episode:
https://bit.ly/2JuXYFm
Preparing for Passover: Rabbi Wildes is finding connections between the Exodus from Egypt and other times Jews have been fled their home countries (Russia, Iran and so on), and how it relates to our current state of isolation and social distancing. We’re all feeling a sense of alienation this year.
This is a rebroadcast of a lunch and learn that Rabbi Wildes gave on Facebook Live. The topic of this episode is pre-Passover inspiration.